The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is continuing its acquisition of G.L.O.V.E. electric shock gloves worth $16.7 million, despite military testing results indicating that the devices may cause severe pain, fear, and prolonged discomfort in individuals exposed to electric shocks.
In August, ICE signed a contract with Compliant Technologies LLC to purchase 6,000 pairs of gloves. The device delivers an electric pulse upon direct contact with the skin, causing intense pain without the complete muscle paralysis that can be caused by other electroshock devices.
Testing conducted by the U.S. Army in October 2024 showed that participants stopped resisting within seconds of receiving an electric shock. They reported pain, fatigue, and fear of being shocked again, while one participant experienced discomfort for up to 30 minutes after the test. The report also noted that wet or oily skin could increase the intensity of the shock.
ICE officials say the gloves will be used as a de-escalation tool and as an alternative to lethal force during arrests and deportations. However, civil rights organizations have raised concerns about the potential misuse of these devices.
The manufacturer prohibits the use of the gloves against pregnant women, children, elderly individuals, and people who offer only verbal resistance.