Full Breakdown
ICE’s $16.7 Million Shock-Glove Procurement and Army Test Results
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ICE’s Shock-Glove Purchase
In August 2026, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) signed a $16.7 million contract with Compliant Technologies to acquire 6,000 pairs of electric shock-gloves. The agency describes the devices as “distraction and de-escalation tools” that it believes will be safer than other non-lethal options for subduing detainees and dispersing protesters. The contract obliges the manufacturer to deliver the gloves within six months.
Army Study of the Devices
A previously unreleased Army study conducted at the military prison at Fort Leavenworth in October 2024 evaluated the gloves’ effectiveness in simulated inmate-extraction scenarios. Role-playing Army personnel acted as combative prisoners, some of whom were large-statured men. The study noted that the electric jolt “overloads the peripheral nerve endings” to cause pain, does not freeze the body like a Taser, and produced longer discomfort for participants whose skin was wet or oily.
Official Statements & Responses
White House border advisor Tom Homan said the rollout could “be awhile” because ICE is still finalizing training and policy. ICE has not provided comment on the study’s findings or the status of the deployment. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, speaking for a group of 16 Democratic senators, said ICE has not answered a recent letter requesting the agency abandon the purchase or explain safeguards against abuse.
Criticism and Concerns
American Oversight’s executive director Chioma Chukwu warned that the agency’s own files show the gloves cause “intense pain” and force compliance without establishing safety. She stated, “The military assessment in ICE’s own files shows that these gloves can cause ‘intense pain’ and force compliance. It does not establish that they are safe.” Critics argue the gloves could become a tool for intimidation, noting they leave no visible marks and have not been tested extensively outside jail settings. The manufacturer cautions against use on children, pregnant women, or disabled individuals.
Next Steps
ICE’s contract requires delivery within six months, but training and policy development remain pending. Lawmakers continue to seek detailed information on operational guidelines, oversight mechanisms, and potential restrictions before the devices are fielded.