The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is set to spend $16.7 million on 6,000 pairs of electric-shock gloves for use by its officers when dealing with resisting detainees and protesters.
According to a federal procurement notice, ICE awarded a no-bid contract to Kentucky-based Compliant Technologies for the gloves, along with support equipment and services, over a six-month period.
ICE described the gloves as “de-escalation devices” and said they would be deployed in high-tension situations, including arrests, the transportation of combative detainees and civil disturbances outside detention facilities.
The agency said the gloves are intended to help officers quickly gain control of people who are actively or passively resisting, prevent escape attempts and force detainees to reveal their hands for handcuffing.
ICE also argued that the gloves could provide an alternative to more severe forms of force, such as firearms, and said their use would be governed by approved policies, training and accountability standards.
Civil Rights Concerns
The purchase has faced strong opposition from civil rights organisations and Democratic lawmakers, who questioned whether ICE officers could safely and responsibly use the technology.
The American Civil Liberties Union criticised the plan, arguing that giving immigration officers a concealed method of delivering electric shocks could increase the risk of harm and reduce accountability.
The announcement comes amid growing criticism of ICE's use of force while enforcing President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Fatal shootings involving ICE agents in Minnesota earlier this year also sparked protests and widespread condemnation.
More than 50 people have reportedly died in ICE custody nationwide since Trump took office, according to the report.
A group of US senators had urged ICE's acting director to cancel the purchase, citing concerns over the agency's use of force in several cities and warning that the gloves could pose serious risks during civil arrests without strict limits, proper training and independent oversight.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, rejected the criticism, accusing opponents of attempting to prevent federal law enforcement officers from accessing safety equipment.
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