By: Ashmar Mandou

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has granted a $16.7 million contract for more than 6,000 gloves that can deliver electric shocks, a new tool that the agency states will help officers control resisting detainees and avoid using “more serious or lethal weapons.”

Officially called the Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters (G.L.O.V.E.), ICE describes the gloves as “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices,” says the new equipment will offer personnel a lower-impact option during arrests, detainee transports and disturbances surrounding detention facilities. According to the agency’s procurement rationale, the gloves may be used when a person is “actively or passively resisting” and an officer needs to gain control quickly.
As a response, Democratic lawmakers, such as Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), and Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia are demanding an immediate cancellation of the new tool. In a letter signed by over 50 lawmakers to the U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, Ramirez and Garcia are deeming the G.LO.V.E, as “unacceptable,” and are urging ICE agents to put a stop to what is a “human rights violation.”

“Introducing low-visibility electric shock weapons into our immigration enforcement system is an unacceptable escalation that prioritizes physical intimidation and unaccountable force over human safety and administrative accountability. We reiterate our demand that you immediately halt the acquisition and deployment of electric shock gloves, cancel the contract, and refocus the Department’s resources on accountability and humanitarian standards rather than expanding a paramilitary apparatus,” wrote the lawmakers.

The agency argues the devices reduce agency reliance on physical force and, in more dangerous encounters, grant officers an alternative to resorting to a firearm. “ICE does not currently have an empty hand use of force device to provide to the field amidst unprecedented levels of threats and violence against ICE officers and agents to help ensure they can de-escalate tense situations before they turn violent,” the agency wrote in procurement documents.

The G.L.O.V.E. user manual says they may increase the risk of sudden death and should not be a tool against the elderly, small children, pregnant women and those who are “severely handicapped.” While DHS has not shared details about the training agents would receive, the agency spokesperson said all officers are “highly trained in de-escalation techniques.” Compliant Technologies, based in Kentucky, won a $16.7 million non-competitive contract to produce the gloves for ICE. It marks the first time the company has received a U.S. government contract.