Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced plans to allocate up to $20 million for the procurement of electric shock gloves, known as the G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), manufactured by Compliant Technologies. These devices are designed to deliver painful electric shocks to individuals, aiming to incapacitate them by disrupting muscle coordination. The initiative is intended to equip officers in Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement Removal Operations with these tools, potentially reducing reliance on firearms and pepper spray. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/2026/08/12/ice-electric-shock-gloves-millions?utm_source=openai))
Compliant Technologies describes the G.L.O.V.E. as a “conductive distraction and de-escalation device,” emphasizing its non-lethal nature. The company asserts that the gloves do not leave burns or contact marks, and the pain ceases once the shock is discontinued. ([complianttechnologies.net](https://www.complianttechnologies.net/faqs?utm_source=openai))
However, the plan has sparked significant criticism from civil rights advocates and lawmakers. New York State Attorney General Letitia James expressed outrage, stating that the proposal appears “arbitrary and capricious” and potentially violates constitutional rights. Governor Kathy Hochul echoed these concerns, suggesting the plan may infringe upon civil rights. U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) commented that the initiative “won’t make anyone safer and in fact just gives ICE another dangerous tool to target citizens and immigrants alike.” ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/85ff746d3e0ee5f39e7a9a3f1f576252?utm_source=openai))
Critics also point to past incidents involving the G.L.O.V.E. In 2024, Jonathan Mansfield suffered a fatal heart attack after receiving multiple shocks from both a G.L.O.V.E. and a TASER at the Madison County Detention Center in Kentucky. An investigation revealed that two of the glove shocks lasted significantly longer than the manufacturer’s recommended maximum of 15 seconds. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/85ff746d3e0ee5f39e7a9a3f1f576252?utm_source=openai))
Demonstration videos released by Compliant Technologies show uniformed officers experiencing immediate and sharp pain upon activation of the gloves, often resulting in them dropping to the ground. The gloves deliver shocks of 0.7 to 1.2 amps at 324 to 380 volts. John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, described the sensation as akin to a bee sting. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/85ff746d3e0ee5f39e7a9a3f1f576252?utm_source=openai))
In defense of the initiative, White House border czar Tom Homan stated that the gloves serve as a tool to help officers end confrontations without resorting to deadly force. He emphasized that the devices provide an intermediate option between no force and lethal force. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/d29adffffd08fc95d7bbef618ddce52f?utm_source=openai))
The Department of Homeland Security has stated that ICE continually assesses the needs of its officers to ensure they have the necessary equipment to safely arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens. The department emphasized that every decision is made with careful consideration and appropriately reviewed. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/85ff746d3e0ee5f39e7a9a3f1f576252?utm_source=openai))
As ICE moves forward with this plan, the debate continues over the balance between equipping law enforcement with effective tools and safeguarding civil liberties. The potential for misuse and the implications for vulnerable populations remain central concerns in this ongoing discussion.