ICE plans to equip agents with gloves that can deliver electric shocks

August 12, 2026

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning to purchase up to $20 million worth of specialized gloves that can deliver electric shocks to individuals during enforcement operations. The Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter devices can produce 380 volts of electricity and are activated by button to deliver pain-inducing shocks for compliance purposes. Civil liberties organizations have raised serious concerns about providing this technology to ICE agents, particularly given recent fatal shootings during immigration enforcement activities.

Who is affected

ICE officers and agents in Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) who would use the gloves
Individuals subject to immigration enforcement and arrest by ICE
Civil rights groups, specifically the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Communities affected by ICE enforcement operations
Compliant Technologies LLC (the manufacturer)

What action is being taken

ICE is planning to spend up to $20 million to purchase the GLOVE devices
The Department of Homeland Security published a note on Monday regarding the purchase
A no-bid purchase contract could be published as early as Friday
ICE is assessing the needs of officers in the field for tools and equipment

Why it matters

This matters because it represents a significant expansion of force options available to immigration enforcement agents during a period when ICE is already facing scrutiny for its tactics, including several fatal shootings during operations. The technology raises civil rights concerns about the potential for abuse, especially since the shock delivery might be imperceptible to bystanders, and comes as ICE operates under pressure to meet daily arrest targets as part of the Trump administration's deportation agenda. The purchase would equip agents with a pain compliance tool during encounters with vulnerable populations subject to immigration enforcement.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC