{
  "id": 3932060,
  "title": "Shock gloves for ICE? US immigration agency pushes ahead with US$16.7m purchase despite criticism",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/shock-gloves-for-ice-us-immigration-agency-pushes-ahead-with-us-16-7m",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T08:50:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2026/08/28/shock-gloves-for-ice-us-immigration-agency-pushes-ahead-with-us167m-purchase-despite-criticism/233044"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Despite mounting objections, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is pressing forward with a $16.7 million (RM70.4 million) purchase of electric-shock gloves, according to government records released on Thursday, reported German Press Agency (dpa). The agency intends to acquire 6,000 of the devices, which it labels as \"de-escalation tools,\" but detractors have labeled them as a hazardous instrument for law enforcement. ICE asserts that the equipment could diminish the necessity for more severe or potentially lethal forms of force. With adequate training, the gloves could enhance the safety of officers and civilians, the agency stated in its procurement notice. Known officially as generated low-output voltage emitters (GLOVEs), the devices are activated by pressing a button and can release an electric shock upon direct contact with human skin. The manufacturer has also raised concerns, stating that the technology might pose physical risks that could result in instantaneous death. Numerous Democratic lawmakers had expressed reservations against the procurement before the contract was finalized. In a letter to acting ICE chief David Venturella, they questioned ICE's capacity to responsibly utilize a device that could endanger US citizens, citing instances of excessive force by ICE officers in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Houston, and other locations. ICE operations are aligned with President Donald Trump's stringent immigration policy. The agency faced intense backlash earlier this year following the fatal shootings of US citizens Renée Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in separate street incidents. There have also been fatal encounters reported in Houston and Maine in recent months.",
  "summary": "WASHINGTON, Aug 28 — Despite growing criticism, United States (US) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is mo...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}