ICE's Shock Glove Plan Draws Criticism From Rights Groups

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is facing backlash over its proposal to equip officers with gloves capable of delivering painful electric shocks. The plan, revealed in a notice published earlier this week, has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers and civil rights organizations, who describe the technology as both unnecessary and cruel.

The agency intends to spend between $10 million and $20 million to procure the devices, officially called G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter). These gloves function as standard patrol gear until activated by a button, at which point they deliver a voltage directly to a person's skin. The shock is designed to force compliance from individuals who are resisting arrest or detention.

Unlike Tasers, the gloves reportedly do not leave burn marks or contact injuries. However, they must be applied directly to bare skin to be effective.

Footage from a January 2023 trade show in Las Vegas, captured by the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, demonstrates the device in action. The video shows a person lying face down with their hands tucked beneath them. An officer wearing the glove applies it to the individual's lower back, prompting the person to tense up and curse before eventually revealing their hands for handcuffing.

Critics argue that the technology introduces an unnecessary escalation in encounters and raises serious questions about accountability and misuse. The notice outlining the procurement was published on Monday, and the debate over the gloves' deployment is expected to intensify as ICE moves forward with the plan.