U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has approved a $16.7 million contract to procure 6,000 pairs of gloves capable of administering electric shocks. The purpose is for officers to manage detainees and demonstrators who resist.
Despite objections from civil rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers, ICE proceeded with the acquisition of the gloves. The agency disclosed its intention to purchase “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices” in a recent notice.
ICE sealed a no-bid deal with Compliant Technologies LLC, a Kentucky company, to acquire the gloves and related equipment over the next six months. Critics argue that ICE’s use of force has lacked oversight, particularly during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Several incidents involving ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have resulted in fatalities since last year. Following backlash from the public over such incidents, ICE has scaled back high-profile deportation operations in major cities.
The gloves appear as regular patrol gloves until activated for electrical mode, delivering a shock when pressed against the skin to induce compliance from resistant individuals. ICE plans to deploy them in situations of high tension, such as arrests and disturbances outside detention facilities.
ICE’s decision to purchase the gloves drew criticism from Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and colleagues. They raised concerns about the potential misuse of the devices and emphasized the need for proper training and oversight.
The Department of Homeland Security, ICE’s parent agency, defended the acquisition against detractors, labeling criticism as an attempt to undermine officer safety. This contract is the latest in a series of no-bid contracts issued by the Trump administration, drawing scrutiny from Democrats for lack of transparency.