ICE to purchase shock-glove devices after Army test shows rapid compliance but raises safety concerns
An unreleased Army study found that electric shock gloves caused intense pain and immediate compliance in a simulated prison exercise, prompting criticism as ICE moves forward with a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 units.
A previously unreleased Army study of a simulated prison exercise at Fort Leavenworth showed that electric shock gloves caused participants to experience intense pain, stop resisting within seconds and express fear of further shocks. The study, conducted in October 2024, noted that the devices overloaded peripheral nerve endings rather than freezing muscles, and that wet or oily skin amplified the effect, with some subjects reporting discomfort for up to 30 minutes.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials were aware of the findings before signing a $16.7 million contract in August to acquire 6,000 pairs of the gloves from Compliant Technologies. The agency described the devices in procurement paperwork as “distraction and de-escalation devices” intended to be safer than other non-lethal tools for subduing detainees and protesters.
"The military assessment in ICE's own files shows that these gloves can cause 'intense pain' and force compliance. It does not establish that they are safe," said Chioma Chukwu, executive director of watchdog group American Oversight.
The study concluded that the gloves increased the efficiency of forced cell extractions and disturbance responses by reducing the length of physical encounters and limiting guard fatigue, though they did not significantly shorten the time needed to control inmates during escorts. The report also noted that the devices boosted confidence among smaller or less-trained officers.
Critics argue the gloves could be used to intimidate and harm vulnerable populations, citing manufacturer warnings against use on children, pregnant women or disabled individuals. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto said ICE has not answered a letter from 16 Democratic senators requesting details on the gloves’ deployment and training.
ICE has not commented on the study, stating only that officers are highly trained in de-escalation. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson dismissed the criticism as an attempt to undermine officer safety, emphasizing that any technology used would be reviewed for compliance with law-enforcement policies.