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ICE to Buy $20M Electric Shock Gloves, Rights Groups Protest

8/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

DHS announced ICE will purchase electric-shock gloves for officers.
The $20 million no-bid contract requires officer training, biennial recertification, and the purchase of G.L.O.V.E. gloves made by Compliant Technologies in Lexington, Kentucky that deliver up to 380 volts.
Civil-rights groups including the ACLU criticized the plan, warning the devices should not be used on children, pregnant women, the elderly, or disabled individuals.

History

Historical Context

Congress passed the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, giving the DOJ Civil Rights Division power to sue police agencies and allocating billions for equipment and hiring 100,000 new officers. That federal investment broadened procurement of police tools, a precedent echoed today as ICE awards a $20 million contract for electric-shock gloves, drawing fresh legal challenges.

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Story summary

DHS announced ICE will purchase electric-shock gloves for officers.
The $20 million no-bid contract requires officer training, biennial recertification, and the purchase of G.L.O.V.E. gloves made by Compliant Technologies in Lexington, Kentucky that deliver up to 380 volts.
Civil-rights groups including the ACLU criticized the plan, warning the devices should not be used on children, pregnant women, the elderly, or disabled individuals.

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