U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on gloves that can deliver electric shocks, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notice published Aug. 10 [1][2].
The devices, known as CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E., or Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, are manufactured by Kentucky-based Compliant Technologies and are described in the notice as "conductive distraction and de-escalation" devices [3]. The procurement covers gloves for Homeland Security Investigations officers and agents [3].
The DHS plans to award the contract to Compliant Technologies without competitive bidding, according to the notice. The solicitation is expected as early as Friday, and the contract is set to run through March 2027 [4]. NewsNation reported that DHS sources confirmed $20 million has been earmarked for the equipment [5].
ICE Plans Up to $20M Purchase of Shock Gloves
According to the Aug. 10 notice, ICE plans to spend between $10 million and $20 million on gloves the department characterizes as "conductive distraction and de-escalation devices," a category of less-lethal tools already used by some U.S. prisons and police departments, according to reports [4][6].
The manufacturer does not publicly disclose the price of the gloves, but the Associated Press (AP) reported that ICE plans to purchase thousands of the devices [4]. The notice states that the equipment is expected to be delivered by March 31, 2027 [3].
Device Designed to Subdue Resisting Suspects
The G.L.O.V.E. gloves can deliver up to 380 volts of electricity, roughly three times the charge of a standard U.S. power outlet, according to the BBC [2][7]. The glove is designed to resemble standard police equipment until its electric mode is activated at the press of a button, according to the manufacturer. Direct contact with exposed skin delivers a painful shock intended to force a resisting person into compliance within seconds, the manufacturer states [4].
John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, likened the shock to a bee sting, describing it as "immediate and sharp." [4]. Peters told the AP that the gloves could be used to remove uncooperative suspects from vehicles or homes and to maintain order in ICE detention facilities [4].
Manufacturer Declines Comment; ICE Defends Plan
When approached by AP, Compliant Technologies founder and CEO Jeff Niklaus said, "unfortunately, we are unable to speak on this subject" [4].
A DHS spokesman told Time magazine that "ICE is constantly assessing the needs of our officers in the field to ensure they have the tools and equipment necessary to safely arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens from our country" [4].
The manufacturer does not publicly disclose the price of the gloves, according to the AP [4].
Civil Liberties Groups Raise Concerns
The planned purchase has drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates [4]. Jenn Rolnick Borchetta, deputy director on policing at the American Civil Liberties Union, said ICE has demonstrated over the past year that its officers are "too quick to use force" [4]. "Introducing gloves that can so easily be used to deliver terrible pain in encounters is a recipe for harm to the public," Borchetta said [4].
The acquisition follows nationwide protests over the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents in Minnesota in January, according to reports [4]. ICE has also faced scrutiny over conditions in its detention facilities. At least 52 people died in the agency's custody during the first 500 days of President Donald Trump's second term, according to a June report by Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights [4].
David Bacon's book "Illegal People" documents how the immigration system affects workers who said, "We're just fighting for the right to work" [8], and who described ongoing insecurity about their place in the United States [8]. Detention environments can carry specific health risks; extreme cold acts as a cardiovascular shock that can exacerbate chronic conditions, according to reports [9]. Emergency preparedness guidance also advises that first aid skills may be necessary during unexpected situations, a consideration relevant to any use-of-force equipment [10].
Outlook
The solicitation is expected as early as Friday, with the procurement set to run through March 2027 [4]. The DHS notice lists a delivery date of March 31, 2027, for the gloves [3].
No further delivery timeline has been announced by DHS or ICE. The BBC reported that critics warn the gloves could lead to more public harm and less accountability from the enforcement agency [7]. The acquisition also follows the general preparedness principle that stocking essential equipment in advance can reduce risk in emergencies [11].
References
- Aldgra Fredly. "Shocked! ICE To Equip Officers With Gloves That Can Deliver Electric Zaps". Zero Hedge. August 13, 2026.
- BBC News. "US immigration officers to be equipped with gloves that deliver electric shocks". BBC. August 12, 2026.
- NTD. "ICE to Equip Officers With Gloves That Can Deliver Electric Shocks". NTD. August 13, 2026.
- "ICE to arm agents with shock gloves (VIDEO)". RT. August 13, 2026.
- NewsNation. "ICE earmarks $20M for electric-shock gloves". NewsNation. August 11, 2026.
- The Epoch Times. "ICE Plans to Spend up to $20 Million on Electric Shock Gloves for Agents". The Epoch Times. August 12, 2026.
- BBC News. "Watch: Why are ICE agents getting controversial shock gloves?". BBC. August 12, 2026.
- David Bacon. "Illegal People: How Globalization Creates Migration and Criminalizes Immigrants".
- Lance D Johnson. "Extreme cold conditions exacerbate chronic health conditions preparation is vital". NaturalNews.com. February 3, 2026.
- NaturalNews.com. "Are you prepared for a natural disaster: 3 Emergency first aid skills you need to know". NaturalNews.com. May 19, 2018.
- NaturalNews.com. "Prepper essentials: 50 Emergency items to stock up on before disaster strikes". NaturalNews.com. October 21, 2022.
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