Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to allocate up to $20 million for acquiring specialized gloves capable of delivering electric shocks, as indicated by a notice published by the Department of Homeland Security on Monday. Delivery of the devices is slated for completion by March 2027, though the exact number of gloves to be procured is not specified.
Details of the Device
The gloves in question are identified as the CTG 5 GLOVE, which operates through a Conductive Distraction and De-escalation (CD3) system. Manufactured by Compliant Technologies, the gloves are promoted as a humane and discreet alternative to traditional compliance methods. According to the company, the device can bring individuals under control in less than three seconds, utilizing a switch-activated function that emits up to 380 volts, an output more comparable to a dog shock collar than a taser.
The user guide for the gloves provides cautions against misuse: avoid using multiple pairs on one individual, refrain from applying shocks for longer than 15 seconds, and do not use the device on vulnerable populations like children, seniors, pregnant women, or those with disabilities.
Usage and Controversy
Since the gloves do not visibly appear to be weapons, Compliant Technologies refers to them as an “invisible partner” for operational use in law enforcement, integrating seamlessly into existing strategies. Similar technology has seen deployment in select police departments and correctional facilities, but not without incident—highlighted by a 2022 case involving corrections officers charged with assaulting an inmate using these gloves.
Jenn Rolnick Borchetta from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has raised concerns regarding the necessity of such devices for civil immigration enforcement, highlighting the potential for abuse given ICE’s tendency towards heavy-handed tactics. “Introducing gloves that can so easily be used to deliver terrible pain in encounters is a recipe for harm to the public,” she stated.
The Department of Homeland Security has yet to offer immediate commentary on the procurement of these gloves, according to a report by the Associated Press. However, they are working on formulating a response to the inquiries about this purchase.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.