AP Exclusive: ICE Plans to Give Officers Gloves That Can Deliver Painful Electric Shocks

ICE plans to purchase up to $20 million worth of “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices,” AP reports. The gloves—called G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter)—are described as normal patrol gloves until officers activate an electrical mode. A DHS notice says procurement could be underway by March, with a solicitation potentially published as early as Friday. Civil rights advocates criticized the move, arguing oversight is inadequate and shocks could be misused. The manufacturer says the devices must be applied directly to skin, and warns against use for punishment or on high-risk populations. ICE said it is assessing officers’ field needs and is reviewing the technology for compliance with law enforcement policies.