Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is considering purchasing gloves that can administer painful electric shocks to manage combative individuals. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated ICE plans to invest up to $20 million in these ‘conductive distraction and de-escalation devices’ by March. This information comes from a notice published recently by DHS.
The gloves, referred to as G.L.O.V.E., stand for Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter and are produced by Compliant Technologies LLC located in Lexington, Kentucky. These have been previously used by some jails and police departments in recent years.
On Tuesday, DHS indicated they are working on a response to an inquiry from the Associated Press, providing no additional remarks. Jeff Niklaus, the founder and CEO of Compliant Technologies, expressed that they cannot currently comment on the topic. A solicitation for a no-bid contract might be issued as soon as Friday.
Civil rights advocates have raised concerns over the plan. ICE already faces criticism regarding their use of force, with limited oversight and accountability under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
According to Compliant Technologies, the gloves function like regular patrol gloves until officers activate the electric mode by pressing a switch. The stimulus must be applied directly to skin to elicit a compliance-inducing pain response. John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, noted, “It’s immediate and sharp, and it will distract you. I call it like a bee sting.” He is currently studying the device’s use. He believes ICE’s purchase would be the company’s largest to date and anticipates uses in situations such as removing uncooperative individuals from various locations.
Peters highlighted advantages for smaller or less physically strong officers, citing faster takedowns and shorter confrontations as potential benefits. However, the manufacturer cautions against using the device for punishment, against those merely showing ‘verbal defiance or belligerence,’ or on high-risk populations like children, pregnant women, or elderly or disabled persons.
Jenn Rolnick Borchetta of the American Civil Liberties Union voiced her concerns, stating that the public should not trust ICE to use the devices suitably. She questioned their necessity in civil immigration enforcement, pointing out that individuals might not receive a warning before being shocked. “ICE has shown a readiness to use force. With the simple push of a button, they could administer electric shocks without anyone noticing,” Borchetta stated. She warned against introducing tools that could cause harm.
Advocates emphasize that the gloves are typically used in controlled scenarios like jails and transports rather than general patrol. They serve to subdue violent suspects refusing to enter vehicles and manage inmates posing threats. While some misuse of such devices is expected, Peters believes serious injuries are unlikely. He underscores the need for comprehensive policies and training at ICE.
The device requires officers to complete a training course and to be recertified every two years as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.