Homeland Security to spend up to $20 million on electric‑shock gloves for ICE officers

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is slated to acquire up to $20 million worth of gloves as part of a new procurement program announced this week. The purchase is intended to equip personnel involved in immigration enforcement and border security operations, a move that follows growing criticism of the administration’s immigration crackdown and concerns over worker safety. The gloves, which will be distributed across agencies such as Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, are expected to provide protection against hazardous materials and reduce the risk of injury during high‑risk encounters.

The procurement request was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget and is currently undergoing review by the Congressional oversight committees. Officials say the purchase will be funded through the DHS budget for fiscal year 2026, with the first shipments scheduled for delivery in the third quarter. The decision comes amid calls from advocacy groups and some lawmakers for better protective equipment for border agents, who have faced increased scrutiny and operational demands under the current immigration policy. The gloves will be part of a broader effort to upgrade safety gear across the department, reflecting a shift toward addressing concerns raised by both staff and external stakeholders.