ICE plans to equip officers with electric-shock gloves

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is planning to acquire electric-shock gloves for its officers, a move that could cost up to $20 million. These devices, officially termed "Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters" (G.L.O.V.E.), are intended to help officers quickly gain compliance from combative individuals.

The Department of Homeland Security published a notice indicating plans to purchase thousands of these "conductive distraction and de-escalation devices" by March. The manufacturer, Compliant Technologies LLC, states the gloves function normally until activated, at which point they deliver a pain stimulus upon direct skin contact. John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, described the sensation as "immediate and sharp, and it will distract you. I call it like a bee sting," and noted its effectiveness in gaining compliance.

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It’s immediate and sharp, and it will distract you. I call it like a bee sting. If the officer is getting any type of resistance from the person, this is certainly an effective tool.

Company founder Jeff Niklaus declined to comment, and DHS has not yet responded to an inquiry. However, civil rights advocates have voiced strong opposition. Jenn Rolnick Borchetta of the American Civil Liberties Union expressed concern, stating that ICE officers already face scrutiny for their use of force with insufficient oversight. The ACLU argues the public should not have confidence in such a plan, especially given existing criticisms of ICE's enforcement tactics.

Compliant Technologies' own warnings advise against using the device as punishment or on vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, or disabled individuals. Despite these warnings, advocates fear the gloves could exacerbate issues of excessive force and lack of accountability within the agency.

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For smaller officers or weaker officers or older officers, I think it has a great advantage