ICE Plans $20 Million Purchase Of Electric Shock Gloves For Officers Amid Civil Rights Concerns

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is planning to spend up to $20 million on thousands of electric shock gloves intended to help officers gain compliance from people who resist arrest or detention, according to a Department of Homeland Security notice.

The devices, described as “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices”, could be purchased by March under a proposed no-bid contract.

What Are The G.L.O.V.E. Devices?

The gloves are known as the G.L.O.V.E. — Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter and are manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC of Lexington, Kentucky.

The company says the gloves function like ordinary patrol gloves until an officer activates the electrical mode using a switch. The glove must make direct contact with a person's skin to deliver an electrical pain stimulus.

According to the manufacturer, the sensation is intended to distract a person and help officers gain compliance within seconds.

The devices have reportedly been used by some US jails and police departments in recent years.

Civil Rights Groups Raise Concerns

The proposed purchase has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates, who argue that ICE already faces scrutiny over the use of force and lack of oversight.

Jenn Rolnick Borchetta of the American Civil Liberties Union questioned the need for such devices in civil immigration enforcement and raised concerns that people could be shocked without warning.

The ACLU also warned that the ease of activating the gloves could increase the risk of excessive force during encounters.

Manufacturer Lists Restrictions

Compliant Technologies says the gloves should not be used as punishment or against people merely displaying verbal defiance or belligerence.

The manufacturer also warns against using them on high-risk groups, including children, pregnant women, elderly people and people with disabilities.

Supporters of the technology argue that the devices are primarily intended for specific situations involving resistant or violent individuals, including during arrests, transportation and detention.

Training Required For Officers

John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, said the gloves could help officers dealing with physically resistant individuals and potentially shorten confrontations.

However, he stressed that ICE would need strong policies and training to prevent misuse.

According to the manufacturer, officers must complete a training course before using the devices and undergo recertification every two years.

Proposed Contract Could Be Published Soon

The DHS notice said the solicitation for the no-bid contract could be published as early as Friday.

DHS said it was preparing a response to questions about the planned purchase. Compliant Technologies also declined to comment on the proposed ICE procurement.