Additional Coverage:
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is considering equipping its officers with gloves capable of delivering electric shocks to subdue combative individuals, according to a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notice. The agency plans to invest up to $20 million by March to acquire thousands of these “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices.”
The gloves, known as G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), are produced by Compliant Technologies LLC, based in Lexington, Kentucky.
These devices have seen limited use in some jails and police departments in recent years. When activated, the gloves deliver a sharp, immediate electrical stimulus intended to encourage compliance from resistant subjects.
John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, described the sensation as comparable to a bee sting and noted the gloves can be particularly advantageous for officers who may lack physical strength, helping to reduce the duration and intensity of confrontations. He anticipates that ICE’s planned purchase could be the largest to date for the manufacturer and envisions the gloves being used in scenarios such as removing uncooperative individuals from vehicles, residences, or detention facilities.
The manufacturer emphasizes that the gloves are not intended for punishment or use against individuals exhibiting only verbal defiance. They also caution against deploying them on vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with disabilities. Officers must complete training and recertify biennially before using the device.
Despite these safeguards, civil rights groups have voiced serious concerns. Jenn Rolnick Borchetta of the American Civil Liberties Union criticized the move, citing ICE’s history of excessive use of force and insufficient accountability. She questioned the necessity of such devices in civil immigration enforcement and warned that shocks could be administered without warning or visible evidence, raising the risk of misuse.
Supporters argue that these devices are typically reserved for specific, high-risk situations, such as subduing violent suspects or inmates who threaten themselves or officers during transport. Peters acknowledged the potential for some misuse, as with any policing tool, but believes the risk of serious injury is low if proper policies and training are in place.
At this time, DHS has not provided an official comment on the procurement plans, and Compliant Technologies declined to discuss the matter publicly. The agency is expected to issue a solicitation for a no-bid contract soon, potentially as early as this week.