DHS to Spend $20 Million on Electric Shock Gloves for ICE Agents, Drawing Sharp Criticism
Key Takeaways
- •The Department of Homeland Security plans to spend approximately $20 million to equip ICE agents with electric shock-delivering gloves starting in March.
- •The gloves are manufactured by Compliant Technologies and are formally designated as Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters (GLOVE), described by DHS as de-escalation devices.
- •An expert from the Institute for the Prevention of In-custody Deaths characterized the electric shock produced by the gloves as feeling like an immediate and sharp bee sting.
- •The announcement prompted condemnation from several public figures, including former Republican congressman Joe Walsh and Cato Institute immigration studies director David Bier.
- •Similar wearable electric shock technology has already been deployed in recent years by police departments and correctional facilities as part of a broader trend toward less-lethal law enforcement tools.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a notice revealing plans to spend approximately $20 million on thousands of electric shock-delivering gloves for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
The notice described the devices as "de-escalation gloves," the AP reported. The gloves are formally known as Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters (GLOVE) and are manufactured by Compliant Technologies. When reached by the AP for comment, company founder and CEO Jeff Niklaus responded: "Unfortunately, we are unable to speak on this subject."
John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-custody Deaths, told the AP that the shock delivered by the gloves feels "like a bee sting." "It's immediate and sharp," he said.
According to the AP, ICE agents are expected to receive the gloves beginning in March. The devices have reportedly already been used in recent years by police departments and in correctional facilities. The GLOVE technology represents a broader trend in law enforcement toward wearable less-lethal tools, complementing conducted electrical weapons such as Tasers, which have been widely deployed for decades and have themselves faced scrutiny over health risks and appropriate use.
The announcement drew swift condemnation online, with critics pointing to ICE's history of fatal shootings, some of which have involved protesters.
David Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, issued a warning on social media: "ICE plans to electrocute many more people it arrests." He added: "Sure wish they could be sued when they do it for no good reason."
Former Republican congressman Joe Walsh also criticized the purchase: "This fascist s--- shouldn't be happening in America."
Immigrant advocate Thomas Kennedy posted: "If ICE wasn't sadistic enough, the agency plans to spend up to $20 million to give officers gloves that can deliver painful electric shocks."
Journalist Jonathan Saxon questioned the necessity: "Is this really necessary?"
Online commentator Mario Nawfal raised concerns about the classification of the devices: "Is putting a live current in an officer's hands during every confrontation de-escalation...or excessive force?"
Journalist Stephanie Grace offered a blunt assessment: "The United States of Dystopia."
The Associated Press first reported the story via its coverage of the DHS notice.
