White House border czar defends ICE electric shock gloves as tools to avoid deadly force

In Bardstown, Kentucky, Nelson County Jailer Justin Hall revealed that his facility has been utilizing electric shock gloves manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC for the past four years. These gloves, known as the G.L.O.V.E., deliver low voltage electrical impulses to help gain compliance from unruly inmates. Hall emphasized that the shocks are non-incapacitating, unlike Tasers, and do not leave burn marks or require a person to make contact.

The gloves are part of a plan by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, recently defended by White House border czar Tom Homan.

During an appearance on Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends," Homan explained that the electric shock gloves are intended to provide officers with a non-lethal alternative to lethal force. He emphasized that the gloves cannot be used as a substitute for de-escalation tactics, but rather as a supplementary tool in potentially violent confrontations.

Homan argued that the gloves offer ICE officers an additional less-lethal option, similar to Tasers or pepper spray, to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations both on the streets and within detention facilities.

However, the plan has faced significant criticism from civil rights groups, Democrats in Congress, and some use-of-force experts, who argue that ICE agents have been overly aggressive in their use of force while enforcing President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Since last year, at least six individuals have been shot and killed by immigration enforcement agents, including recent incidents in Maine and Texas.

Homan stated that it would be "a while" before the gloves are deployed by ICE officers, as the agency is currently working on training protocols and policy issues related to their use.