U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to purchase gloves that deliver electric shocks for its officers and agents, according to a Department of Homeland Security notice published Monday.
ICE intends to spend between $10 million and $20 million on the devices, described as “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices,” with delivery targeted by March. A no-bid contract solicitation could be issued as early as Friday, the notice states.
The gloves, known as the G.L.O.V.E. or Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, are manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC of Lexington, Kentucky. According to the company, they function as ordinary patrol gloves until an officer activates an electrical mode with a switch. When applied directly to skin, they deliver a sharp pain stimulus intended to gain quick compliance from combative individuals. One expert studying the devices described the sensation as similar to a bee sting.
Compliant Technologies says the gloves have been used by some jails and police departments. The manufacturer advises they should not be used as punishment, against people showing only verbal defiance, or on high-risk groups including children, pregnant women, the elderly or people with disabilities. Officers must complete training and recertify every two years.
Civil rights advocates have raised concerns. The American Civil Liberties Union and others note ongoing scrutiny of ICE’s use of force amid expanded immigration enforcement. Supporters say the tools can help shorter or less physically strong officers achieve faster compliance and shorten confrontations in specific situations such as removing people from vehicles or facilities.
DHS and the manufacturer have not issued detailed public comments on the planned purchase. The notice comes as ICE continues large-scale arrest operations.
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