In a letter addressed to the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and 15 fellow Democratic senators asked the agency to cancel a proposed $20 million acquisition of electric‑shock gloves. The senators argue the devices pose significant safety risks and could be misused during civil arrests.

Senators question need and oversight

The letter, signed by Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine and 14 other Democrats, challenges ICE’s justification for spending millions on the gloves. The lawmakers point to recent incidents of force in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston, and Maine, expressing doubt that ICE can safely deploy a tool that delivers painful electric shocks directly to a person’s skin.

How the gloves work

According to ICE’s notice, the devices appear as ordinary patrol gloves until an officer presses a button to activate an electrical mode. When applied to a person’s skin, the gloves deliver a painful shock intended to gain compliance from individuals who resist. Similar devices have been used by some local jails and police departments in recent years.

Calls for training and transparency

Cortez Masto and her colleagues warned that without clear limits, proper training, and comprehensive oversight, the gloves could be used in ways that harm Americans without cause. They urged ICE to disclose detailed training protocols and internal review procedures before any deployment.

Administration’s response

White House border czar Tom Homan defended the proposal, saying the gloves could provide a non‑lethal alternative to deadly force and might be especially useful in detention settings. Homan noted that ICE is still working out training and policy details, and deployment could be months away.

The debate highlights ongoing partisan disagreements over immigration enforcement tools and the balance between security measures and civil liberties.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.