Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faces backlash from Democratic officials and civil rights groups over its proposal to equip officers with gloves capable of delivering painful electric shocks. Critics label the plan as both unnecessary and cruel.
ICE proposes investing between $10 million and $20 million to provide its officers with what are termed ‘conductive distraction and de-escalation devices.’ This information was outlined in a notice first released by The Associated Press.
The gloves, called the Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter (G.L.O.V.E.), look like standard patrol gloves. However, upon activation by an officer, they deliver an electrical shock when in contact with skin. This shock is meant to encourage compliance without leaving visible marks, unlike Tasers.
Concerns from Officials and Civil Rights Advocates
The scope of the purchase suggests ICE intends to equip a majority, if not all, of its personnel with these devices. Historically, local departments have primarily utilized the gloves within jails rather than during street operations. ICE officers, however, have steadily increased their use of force to remove individuals from vehicles amid protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
“We are outraged,” stated New York Attorney General Letitia James at a news conference. She warned that ICE officials in her state misusing these gloves could face both criminal and civil penalties.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, did not directly address the gloves in its statement. It maintained that ICE consistently evaluates equipment needs for officer safety during arrests.
Lawsuits and Safety Concerns
Despite being marketed as safe, a pending lawsuit suggests that a 43-year-old man died in 2024 after being repeatedly shocked by both the gloves and a Taser in a Richmond, Kentucky jail. An internal probe revealed that some shocks exceeded the manufacturer’s safe limit of 15 seconds.
The Associated Press reviewed other lawsuits linked to the gloves. One involves a man with heart issues shocked at a trade show and another pertains to a courtroom incident. Both cases were dismissed.
Democratic lawmakers like Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Maxwell Frost, and Delia Ramirez argue against the need for this device, suggesting it poses additional risks without enhancing safety.
Potential Misuse and Safety Warnings
Manufacturer guidelines advise against using the gloves on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, or severely handicapped individuals. The manual also cautions against use in scenarios involving verbal defiance, punishment, or horseplay.
Michael Mannheimer, a law professor, suggests that the gloves might be overused, bypassing less forceful options. He emphasized concern regarding ICE agents potentially using these gloves unnecessarily to achieve compliance.
The Department of Homeland Security’s publication signals intent for a contract to acquire these gloves, likely to commence by the end of the week and last until March 31, 2027.
Claudia Lauer, an Associated Press writer, contributed to this report.