ICE plans to buy electric shock gloves, raising US rights concerns

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is set to purchase electric shock gloves for officers in the field, sparking concerns over human rights among advocacy groups. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, announced plans to spend up to $20 million on the conductive distraction and de-escalation device known as GLOVE units. These gloves are designed to disrupt an individual's ability to respond by delivering a low voltage electric shock.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) vehemently opposes the use of these electric shock gloves, arguing that providing immigration agents with a method to inflict severe pain is likely to result in more harm to the public and decreased accountability. ICE officers receive regular training in de-escalation techniques and ongoing use of force training, according to the DHS.

The agency emphasizes that all decisions regarding technology utilization are carefully considered and reviewed to ensure compliance with relevant law enforcement policies and standards.

Recent fatal shootings of two US citizens by ICE agents in Minnesota and increasing concerns regarding conditions in ICE detention centers have led to widespread protests against the agency's practices. Over 50 individuals have lost their lives in ICE custody since President Trump assumed office in January of the previous year, as reported by the immigration agency.

While President Trump maintains that the purpose of the immigration crackdown is to enhance domestic security, rights groups assert that his crackdown has violated free speech and due process rights and has created an unsafe environment, particularly for ethnic minorities, who have expressed concerns about racial profiling.