Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on electrical shock gloves for its agents, according to a notice published by the Department of Homeland Security. The gloves, known as CTG 5 G.L.O.V.E, are designed to deliver electrical shocks to individuals, with the intention of de-escalating encounters.

Concerns Over Use of Force

Civil rights advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have expressed alarm over the plan, questioning the necessity of such devices for civil immigration enforcement. The use of electrical shock gloves has been criticized as a potential tool for abuse, particularly in situations where individuals may be resistant or uncooperative.

The gloves, manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC, can deliver a maximum voltage of up to 380V, which is intended to inhibit coordinated muscle movement. However, the company warns against using the gloves as a form of punishment or on high-risk individuals, including pregnant women, the elderly, and small children.

Previous Incidents

The use of similar devices has been linked to incidents resulting in criminal charges, including a case in South Carolina where two corrections officers were charged with beating and shocking an inmate with a wearable stun device.

ICE has not commented on the plan, but the Department of Homeland Security has stated that it is working on a response to inquiries about the contract. The contract is expected to be published as early as Friday, with the devices set to be delivered by March 31, 2027.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.