ICE shock gloves cause intense pain and fear, Army study reveals

ICE shock gloves Immigration and Customs Enforcement Army study non-lethal weapons use of force

A previously unreleased U.S. Army study reveals that electric shock gloves, which Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is set to deploy, cause intense pain and psychological fear. The study, conducted during a military exercise at Fort Leavenworth in October 2024, found that participants playing the role of combative prisoners experienced significant fatigue and soreness. Many reported that the mere sight of the gloves was enough to induce immediate compliance.

Records obtained by the watchdog group American Oversight indicate that ICE leadership was aware of these findings before signing a $16.7 million contract in August to purchase 6,000 pairs of the devices. The gloves, which can deliver up to 380 volts, are designed to be used during migratory operations to control detainees or protesters.

ICE has defended the equipment, labeling them as “distraction and de-escalation devices” that are safer than other non-lethal alternatives and can prevent the need for lethal force. However, critics argue the gloves serve as a tool for intimidation and brutality, noting they leave no visible marks, which may make it harder for victims to seek recourse.

Entities

American Oversight · Fort Leavenworth · Jeff Niklaus · U.S. Army · U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] The military exercise involving the gloves took place at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas in October 2024. lavozhispanact.com · turquesanews.mx · gulfnews.com · www.newsday.com
[● 4 SOURCES] ICE classifies the gloves as distraction and de-escalation devices intended to be safer than other non-lethal options. lavozhispanact.com · turquesanews.mx · gulfnews.com · www.newsday.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The gloves are capable of delivering an electric discharge of up to 380 volts. bajotecho.com.do
[○ 1 SOURCE] The manufacturer of the gloves described them as the safest and most humane de-escalatory product available. www.motherjones.com
[● 5 SOURCES] Participants reported that the mere sight of the gloves was sufficient to induce compliance. lavozhispanact.com · turquesanews.mx · gulfnews.com · www.motherjones.com · www.newsday.com
[● 5 SOURCES] An Army study found that shock gloves caused intense pain, immediate cessation of resistance, and fear of further exposure among participants. lavozhispanact.com · turquesanews.mx · gulfnews.com · www.motherjones.com · www.newsday.com
[● 4 SOURCES] ICE leadership was aware of the Army study findings before signing a $16.7 million contract in August to purchase 6,000 pairs of gloves. lavozhispanact.com · turquesanews.mx · gulfnews.com · www.newsday.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The study found the gloves did not significantly reduce the time required to control a combative prisoner. www.motherjones.com