# ICE procurement of electric shock gloves

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ice-procurement-of-electric-shock-gloves
> Updated: 2026-08-12T19:47:13.000Z. Sources: 122. Developments: 2.

The Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to invest between $10 million and $20 million to equip U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents with G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter) units by March 2027. These conductive devices, manufactured by Kentucky-based Compliant Technologies LLC, are designed to look like standard patrol gloves but can deliver an immediate, sharp electrical stimulus upon activation via a switch. To be effective, the gloves must be applied directly to a person’s skin.

The procurement is intended to facilitate de-escalation and compliance during arrests and deportations. The manufacturer states the device is intended to gain compliance within seconds by providing an immediate sensation, though it is designed to be less intense than a Taser and leave no lasting marks.

However, the plan has faced significant opposition from civil rights organizations, such as the ACLU, and Democratic officials. Critics, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul, have raised concerns regarding human rights, potential misuse, lack of transparency, and the impact on constitutional protections. James warned that misuse of the devices could lead to criminal and civil consequences.

Manufacturer guidelines specify that the devices should not be used for verbal defiance and must not be applied to high-risk populations, such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, or the disabled. Officers using the technology are required to undergo specific training and biennial recertification.

## Claims

- ICE plans to spend between $10 million and $20 million to purchase thousands of conductive distraction and de-escalation devices by March 2027. (corroborated by 60 sources)
- The G.L.O.V.E. devices function as normal patrol gloves until an officer activates an electrical mode via a switch. (corroborated by 57 sources)
- The gloves must be applied directly to someone’s skin to deliver a pain stimulus. (corroborated by 30 sources)
- The device delivers an immediate, sharp pain stimulus described as being like a bee sting. (corroborated by 29 sources)
- A solicitation for a no-bid contract for the devices could be published as early as Friday. (corroborated by 28 sources)
- The devices must not be used against risk groups such as children, pregnant women, or elderly people. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- Officers must complete a training course and undergo recertification every two years to use the devices. (corroborated by 6 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: ICE arrests undocumented truck driver and plans purchase of shock gloves

ICE arrested a Cuban national driving a truck with an expired license in Florida, while DHS plans to spend $20 million on electric shock gloves for agents.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ice-arrests-undocumented-truck-driver-and-plans-purchase-of-shock-gloves

### 2026-08-11: ICE plans to purchase electric shock gloves for agents

ICE plans to spend up to $20 million on G.L.O.V.E. electric shock gloves to subdue resistant individuals, a move facing intense backlash from civil rights advocates and Democratic officials.

120 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ice-plans-to-purchase-20-million-in-electric-shock-gloves

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