ICE Plans to Spend Up to $20 Million on Electric Shock Gloves

Published Aug 13, 02:39 PM UTC

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million to equip agents with Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter (GLOVE) devices, which deliver electric shocks to debilitate individuals during detentions. The Department of Homeland Security issued a procurement notice for the gloves, which have primarily been used in jails rather than on streets. The GLOVE user manual states it can inhibit coordinated muscle movement, and demonstration videos show it inflicting pain. DHS describes the gloves as a de-escalation device, but critics, including the ACLU, worry they could intensify aggressive enforcement tactics. The manufacturer warns against using the gloves on the elderly, small children, pregnant women, or the severely handicapped. The size of the purchase suggests most or all ICE officers may receive the device, raising concerns about potential misuse and lack of accountability.