ICE to equip officers with electric shock gloves

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a notice on Wednesday announcing plans to equip Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers with a new type of protective glove that delivers electric shocks. The devices, called Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters (GLOVES), are designed to provide a painful deterrent against resistance or escape attempts during detentions. DHS estimates the program could cost up to $20 million to procure and deploy the gloves nationwide.

The notice details that the gloves will be issued to ICE personnel in high‑risk environments, such as detention facilities and field operations. DHS described the technology as a low‑voltage, high‑current system that can be activated by the officer to administer a brief shock to a detainee. Officials cited the need for a non‑lethal, rapid‑response tool to improve officer safety and reduce the likelihood of violent confrontations. The announcement follows a broader federal push to modernize law‑enforcement equipment and address concerns over officer and detainee safety.

While DHS has not released a full operational plan, the announcement has prompted scrutiny from civil‑rights groups and legal experts who question the potential for misuse and the adequacy of oversight. The agency has stated that the gloves will undergo rigorous testing and that officers will receive specialized training before deployment. The final implementation timeline and regulatory framework remain to be clarified in upcoming DHS guidance.