# ICE acquisition of electric shock gloves

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ice-acquisition-of-electric-shock-gloves
> Updated: 2026-08-16T02:19:59.000Z. Sources: 40. Developments: 2.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced plans to spend between $10 million and $20 million to acquire G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter) gloves, manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC. These devices are designed to deliver a low-voltage electrical discharge—up to 380 volts—to induce pain compliance and inhibit muscle mobility. The manufacturer describes them as a “Conductive Distraction and De-escalation Device” that does not cause falls or visible marks, though usage is advised against for minors, the elderly, pregnant women, or individuals with severe disabilities.

Border official Tom Homan defended the acquisition, stating the gloves serve as a non-lethal intermediary step to encourage compliance without immediately resorting to deadly force. 

The proposal has faced significant opposition from Democratic lawmakers, civil rights organizations, and the National Immigration Law Center, which described the move as “repugnant and barbaric.” Critics have raised concerns regarding potential abuses, lack of accountability, and the necessity of the expenditure, noting that such tools may be difficult for witnesses or cameras to detect.

In a related development, ICE is proposing a plan to subsidize liability insurance for state and local officers participating in 287(g) partnerships. Under this proposal, officers would purchase personal liability coverage of up to $500,000, with ICE providing annual reimbursements of up to $250. The Cato Institute and other critics have expressed concern that this program could allow local officers to avoid personal accountability for misconduct while assisting in federal immigration enforcement.

## Claims

- ICE is proposing to subsidize liability insurance for local officers participating in 287(g) partnerships. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The proposed insurance plan would reimburse officers up to $250 annually for liability coverage up to $500,000. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The Cato Institute's David Bier expressed concern that the insurance plan helps officers avoid accountability for violating rights. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- ICE intends to spend between $10 million and $20 million to acquire electric shock gloves. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The G.L.O.V.E. devices are manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC, a company based in Kentucky. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The gloves can deliver up to 380 volts and should not be used on pregnant women, the elderly, or minors. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The DHS describes the G.L.O.V.E. devices as distraction and de-escalation tools. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Congressional Democrats have criticized the purchase, arguing it provides ICE with an unnecessary tool for inflicting pain. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: ICE plans electric shock glove purchase and local officer insurance subsidy

ICE plans to spend up to $20 million on electric shock gloves and is proposing subsidized liability insurance for local officers involved in immigration enforcement partnerships.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ice-plans-to-acquire-electric-shock-gloves-for-field-agents

### 2026-08-13: ICE plans to acquire electric shock gloves for immigration enforcement

ICE plans to spend up to $20 million on G.L.O.V.E. electric shock gloves for agents, sparking controversy over potential abuses and increased enforcement at U.S. airports.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ice-and-border-patrol-face-scrutiny-over-agent-misconduct

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Cite as: ICE acquisition of electric shock gloves. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ice-acquisition-of-electric-shock-gloves