DHS: ICE to spend up to $20 million on electric shock gloves for agents

Published Aug 13, 02:39 PM UTC

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a procurement notice for ICE to spend up to $20 million on Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter (GLOVE) devices, which are gloves that deliver electric shocks to debilitate individuals during detention. The gloves have primarily been used in jails, but ICE agents have increasingly used force in street encounters and protests. The DHS describes the gloves as a de-escalation device, but critics, including the ACLU, argue they could intensify aggressive enforcement tactics and reduce accountability. The manufacturer warns against using the gloves on vulnerable populations such as the elderly, small children, pregnant women, and the severely handicapped. The size of the purchase suggests most or all ICE officers could receive the device.