ICE Plan to Equip Officers with Electric Shock Gloves Sparks Rights Concerns

Dragon Media News Desk

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning to acquire specialized gloves capable of delivering electric shocks for use by officers in the field, prompting concern among civil-liberties and human-rights advocates.

According to a Department of Homeland Security procurement plan, ICE could spend up to $20 million on the devices. The technology uses low-output electrical voltage intended to temporarily disrupt a person’s ability to resist.

DHS describes the equipment as a tool designed to assist officers in controlling difficult situations while supporting de-escalation. The department says any technology deployed by ICE would be reviewed to ensure compliance with applicable law-enforcement policies and use-of-force standards.

Civil-rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have warned that a concealed device capable of inflicting significant pain could increase the risk of abuse and weaken accountability.

The debate comes amid broader national controversy over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which argues that tougher enforcement is necessary for domestic security while critics continue to question detention conditions, due-process protections and the use of force.