US ICE to Deploy Electric Shock Gloves Amid Concerns Over Safety and Abuse

The US Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to purchase electric shock gloves for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The gloves, known as the "Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter" or "The G.L.O.V.E," can administer a painful electric current when applied to bare skin, causing "neuro-peripheral interference" that impairs physical movement.

The manufacturer, Compliant Technologies, recommends that the gloves not be used against certain groups, including older people, small children, pregnant individuals, and people with certain disabilities. These are all groups that ICE has previously targeted with arrest and detention.

The use of electric shock devices has been widely criticized due to their potential for abuse and harm. The European Union has implemented trade restrictions on these devices, and the United Nations special rapporteur on torture has determined that direct contact electric shock weapons are "inherently cruel, inhuman or degrading."

ICE has a history of committing violence and abuse against immigrants and US citizens, including the unlawful use of excessive and lethal force, as well as the deployment of so-called "less lethal" weapons at close range. Given this track record, concerns are growing that the electric shock gloves could be used to further abuse and harm vulnerable individuals.

The US Congress has been funding ICE with little oversight, and it is now being urged to inquire into the administration's plans to purchase the electric shock gloves, their risks, and their potential for abuse.

## Electric Shock Gloves: A History of Abuse

Electric shock devices have been used as a method of torture and other ill-treatment around the globe. The use of these devices has been widely criticized due to their potential for abuse and harm.

| Device Type | Manufacturer | Price Range | | --- | --- | --- | | Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter (G.L.O.V.E) | Compliant Technologies | $10-$20 million |

## The Risks of Electric Shock Gloves

The electric shock gloves pose a significant risk to individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable due to age, disability, or other factors. The gloves can cause "neuro-peripheral interference" that impairs physical movement, and the user manual describes several possible physical consequences that can lead to sudden death.

## The Need for Oversight

Given ICE's history of committing violence and abuse, concerns are growing that the electric shock gloves could be used to further abuse and harm vulnerable individuals. The US Congress is being urged to inquire into the administration's plans to purchase the electric shock gloves, their risks, and their potential for abuse.

The use of electric shock gloves by ICE would be a concerning development, particularly given the agency's history of committing violence and abuse. It is essential that the US Congress exercises its oversight responsibilities to ensure that the administration's plans to purchase these gloves are thoroughly examined and that the risks and potential for abuse are addressed.