The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly planning to spend $20 million to outfit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents with electric shock gloves that deliver targeted electrical shocks capable of incapacitating individuals within seconds.
Developed by Compliant Technologies LLC in Lexington, Kentucky, the devices—known as G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter)—are already deployed by some police departments and jails. The gloves function normally until activated by the officer, requiring direct skin contact with the target to deliver a shock that typically incapacitates within seconds.
A DHS notice published Monday states the agency seeks $20 million for the equipment.
John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, described the device as “immediate and sharp,” comparing it to a bee sting. “If the officer is getting any type of resistance from the person, this is certainly an effective tool,” he said. Peters noted that while misuse is possible, injuries are unlikely.
Compliant Technologies founder Jeff Niklaus declined to comment directly in an email stating, “Unfortunately, we are unable to speak on this subject.”
The manufacturer requires officers to complete a course and undergo recertification every two years. Peters added the gloves “have a great advantage” for smaller or less physically robust officers, enabling faster takedowns and shorter confrontations.
Jenn Rolnick Borchetta of the American Civil Liberties Union warned that the gloves could be misused: “ICE spent the last year showing this country they are too quick to use force. Now they will be able to deploy electric shocks with the slight push of a button that maybe nobody else can see them do. Introducing gloves that can so easily be used to deliver terrible pain in encounters is a recipe for harm to the public.”
