Trump administration plans to give ICE officers electric-shock gloves

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is preparing to allocate between $10 million and $20 million to acquire electric-shock gloves for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, according to a government notice released on Monday. The gloves, known as the CT-G5 G.L.O.V.E., are designed to deliver low-voltage electrical pulses to subdue individuals during interactions. The move comes amid ongoing scrutiny of ICE's enforcement practices under former President Donald Trump, who prioritized aggressive immigration policies. The gloves, manufactured by Compliant Technologies, are marketed as tools for “distraction and de-escalation.” A user manual indicates they can generate up to 380 volts, which is intended to disrupt a person’s ability to perform coordinated movements. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the devices would be distributed to agents within the Enforcement and Removal Operations division of ICE, which has been central to Trump’s broader immigration strategy. The procurement process, described as a no-bid contract, is set to be finalized by Friday. The plan has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups, particularly the National Immigration Law Center (NILC). In a statement, NILC President Kica Mantos condemned the acquisition, describing it as a dangerous escalation of force against vulnerable populations. She accused the agency of using an expansive budget, partially funded by the Secure America Act, which allocated billions to ICE, to implement increasingly harsh measures. “Arming poorly trained agents with electric shock gloves to inflict pain on our neighbors is disgusting and barbaric,” she said. Compliant Technologies, the manufacturer, maintains that its products are “safe” and “humane,” emphasizing that the gloves do not penetrate the body and allow officers to restrain individuals without risking electrical feedback. The company also requires users to complete training and undergo recertification every two years. It advises against using the devices on certain high-risk groups, including the elderly, children, pregnant individuals, and those with severe disabilities. However, critics argue that these safeguards do not address the potential for misuse, especially given the controversial nature of ICE’s operations. Since the beginning of this year, at least four individuals have been killed during encounters with ICE agents, and dozens more have died in custody. These incidents have intensified public and legal scrutiny of the agency’s methods. Advocacy organizations have raised concerns that the introduction of electric-shock gloves could exacerbate tensions and lead to further harm. Some lawmakers have called for greater oversight of ICE’s use of force, citing reports of racial profiling and excessive force. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to inquiries from media outlets, including The Associated Press, which was among the first to report on the procurement. Compliant Technologies’ founder and CEO, Jeff Niklaus, declined to comment on the matter via email, stating that the company could not discuss the issue. Meanwhile, the agency’s decision to proceed with the purchase reflects broader trends in funding and equipping law enforcement with non-lethal technologies, even as ethical and human rights concerns persist. As the gloves near deployment, the debate over their use continues. Critics warn that the devices could become another tool in a growing arsenal of force used against immigrant communities, while supporters argue that they offer a less lethal alternative to physical restraint. The outcome of this controversy will likely depend on how effectively the agency balances security concerns with the need to protect the rights of all individuals.