ICE Plans $20 Million Purchase of Electric Shock Gloves for Law Enforcement
Washington, Wednesday, 12 August 2026.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to spend up to $20 million on electric shock gloves to gain compliance from individuals, sparking sharp criticism from civil rights advocates.
Federal Procurement Details
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million to procure thousands of electric shock gloves by March 2027 [1][3]. This procurement intention was revealed in a notice published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on August 3, 2026 [3]. The contract highlights expanding federal defense spending and law enforcement technology procurement under federal immigration enforcement initiatives [1]. The notice indicates a potential no-bid contract solicitation could be published as early as August 7, 2026 [3].
Federal Procurement Details
The procurement goal is set for March 2027, providing a clear timeline for the acquisition of these devices [4]. DHS acknowledged an Associated Press inquiry on August 4, 2026, but provided no immediate comment regarding the specifics of the contract [3]. This spending plan represents a significant investment in compliance technology for federal agents [1]. The notice was published on the APFS cloud platform, making it accessible for public review [1].
Technology and Functionality
The devices are known as G.L.O.V.E., which stands for Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter [2]. They are manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC, a defense supplier based in Lexington, Kentucky [1]. According to the manufacturer, the gloves function as a normal pair of patrol gloves until officers press a switch to activate their electrical mode [2]. The gloves must be applied directly to someone’s skin to deliver a pain stimulus that typically helps an officer gain compliance within seconds [4].
Technology and Functionality
Compliant Technologies states the discomfort associated with the stimulation is usually effective in bringing individuals into compliance in less than three seconds [1]. The company has advertised the device as a humane, low-optics, de-escalation solution for many situations facing uniformed officers [1]. John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, described the sensation as immediate and sharp, similar to a bee sting [3]. He noted that if an officer is getting any type of resistance from the person, this is certainly an effective tool [2].
Political Context and Civil Rights Concerns
Civil rights advocates expressed alarm at the plan, noting ICE officers already face criticism for their use of force with little oversight while enforcing Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown [1]. Jenn Rolnick Borchetta, deputy project director on policing at the American Civil Liberties Union, questioned the use of the devices for civil immigration enforcement [1]. She stated that ICE spent the last year showing the country they are too quick to use force [4]. Borchetta warned that introducing gloves that can so easily be used to deliver terrible pain in encounters is a recipe for harm to the public [3].
Political Context and Civil Rights Concerns
Critics argue the devices lack necessary oversight and may be deployed covertly during encounters [3]. Borchetta highlighted the risk that officers will be able to deploy electric shocks with the slight push of a button that maybe nobody else can see them do [4]. This concern underscores the tension between law enforcement tooling and public accountability measures [1]. The procurement occurs amidst broader discussions on federal immigration enforcement strategies [3].
Operational Guidelines and Restrictions
To use the device, officers must complete a course and be recertified every two years, according to the manufacturer [2]. The manufacturer warns the device should not be used as punishment, against people merely exhibiting verbal defiance or belligerence, or on high-risk populations [4]. These high-risk populations include children, pregnant women, elderly, or disabled people [2]. Compliant Technologies produces electric shock gloves marketed to assist smaller, older, or weaker officers in securing faster takedowns [3].
Operational Guidelines and Restrictions
Jeff Niklaus, the founder and CEO of Compliant Technologies, stated via email that they were unable to speak on the subject [1]. The gloves have previously been used in settings such as jails in the US [1]. Peters said he believed ICE’s planned purchase would likely be the largest from the company to date [1]. He envisioned ICE officers using the gloves to help remove uncooperative subjects from cars and houses and in and out of detention facilities [1].