ICE signs $16.7 million contract for electric-shock gloves after army test shows rapid compliance
A military study found that electric-shock gloves caused immediate compliance and marked discomfort among participants, and ICE has proceeded with a $16.7 million purchase of 6,000 units.
A previously unreleased Army study of electric-shock gloves used in a training exercise at Fort Leavenworth showed that subjects stopped resisting within seconds after the devices delivered a jolt to the skin. Participants reported fatigue, soreness and a strong reluctance to be shocked again. The gloves, branded G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter) and produced by Compliant Technologies of Lexington, Kentucky, were evaluated for use in forced cell extractions and disturbance control.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) signed a contract in August to buy 6,000 pairs of the gloves for $16.7 million, according to documents obtained by the watchdog group American Oversight and shared with the Associated Press. ICE describes the devices as “distraction and de-escalation” tools that it says are safer than other non-lethal options and could reduce the need for potentially lethal force.
The study noted that the gloves “increased the efficiency” of teams handling combative prisoners by shortening physical encounters and reducing guard fatigue, though they did not significantly change the time required to control inmates during escorts. Researchers also observed that the electric jolt works by overstimulating peripheral nerve endings rather than causing the muscle lock-up associated with Tasers, and that wet or oily skin amplified the effect.
Critics have raised concerns about safety and potential misuse. Chioma Chukwu, executive director of American Oversight, said, "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."
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and a group of Democratic senators have asked ICE to explain its plans for the gloves and to halt the purchase until training and oversight details are clarified. ICE has not responded to the inquiry, and a White House border official indicated that deployment could be delayed while policies are finalized.