Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear

A military study revealed that shock gloves, which Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to deploy, cause intense pain and immediate compliance in detainees and protesters, according to records obtained by watchdog group American Oversight. The study, conducted at Fort Leavenworth military prison in Kansas, found that participants experienced fatigue, soreness, and fear of further shocks after just seconds of exposure to the gloves' electric jolts.

The gloves, set to be purchased by ICE for $16.7 million in August, were found to "increase efficiency" in forcibly removing combative prisoners, responding to disturbances, and transporting uncooperative inmates. However, critics argue that the gloves may be used to intimidate and brutalize people, despite concerns over their safety and potential for abuse.

ICE has defended the gloves as "safer" than other non-lethal options for subduing targets, but watchdogs warn that they could exacerbate already existing issues of excessive force.