California Bans ICE’s Favorite Shock Gloves
On Tuesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill banning law enforcement officers in the state from using electrical shock gloves, a “pain compliance” tool and recent hit with ICE officers that function similarly to tasers at a lower voltage. ICE recently purchased about 6,000 pairs of the gloves, which have been roundly […]
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Tuesday banning law enforcement officers in the state from using electrical shock gloves. These "pain compliance" tools, similar to tasers but at a lower voltage, have been used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and criticized by human rights groups as "inherently abusive equipment that facilitates torture."
ICE recently bought about 6,000 pairs for $16.7 million. Governor Newsom stated that this action is in response to the federal government's failure to protect American communities. The ban will take effect in 2027, as part of a series of bills aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and oversight in immigration enforcement.
Other measures include a 25% tax on companies operating detention facilities and a ban on face coverings by federal agents, though the latter faced legal challenges. Lawsuits have been filed against ICE over the use of shock gloves, including a wrongful death case alleging that a man died after being shocked 27 times. Despite the ban, the Department of Homeland Security has vowed to defy it, asserting that sanctuary politicians are attempting to undermine federal law enforcement safety equipment.
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