US immigration officers to be equipped with gloves that deliver electric shocks

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is set to equip its officers with a new type of glove that can administer electric shocks. The gloves, known as Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter (GLOVE), are part of a potential $20 million purchase by ICE, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcement.

The gloves, which can deliver up to 380 volts of electricity, are designed to convince subjects to comply through pain deterrence. Civil rights groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have raised concerns about the use of these gloves, citing potential risks to public safety. ICE has been under scrutiny for its enforcement tactics, including fatal shootings.

The DHS stated that the agency continuously evaluates officer needs to ensure they have appropriate tools for arrests and removals. The GLOVE devices are activated by pressing a button and can deliver up to 30 pulses per second, with a built-in microprocessor that records activation. Compliant Technologies LLC, the manufacturer, states that the gloves do not cause injury and are used by various agencies.

However, the ACLU and other groups argue that the introduction of these gloves could lead to further harm and undermine accountability in immigration enforcement.