Army tests show ICE shock gloves cause intense pain and fear before purchase

Key points

• ICE signed a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 pairs of shock gloves in August 2026, knowing about a prior Army study.
• The Army study found the gloves caused intense pain, immediate compliance, and lasting fear in test subjects at Fort Leavenworth.
• The device works by overloading peripheral nerve endings rather than freezing muscles like a Taser, and leaves no visible marks.
• Critics argue the gloves are unsafe and easily misused, while ICE and DHS defend them as essential for officer safety and de-escalation.
• Democratic senators have demanded answers about training and usage protocols, but ICE has not responded to their inquiries.

Background

In August 2026, ICE finalized a $16.7 million contract with Compliant Technologies LLC to purchase 6,000 pairs of electric shock gloves, also known as GLOVEs. This followed a broader DHS plan to spend up to $20 million on the equipment. The purchase drew immediate criticism from civil rights groups and Democratic lawmakers, who raised concerns about potential misuse and lack of oversight. In response, California lawmakers advanced Assembly Bill 2760 to prohibit the use of such devices by federal and local officers. ICE and DHS defended the purchase, stating the gloves are necessary for officer safety and are consistent with law enforcement policies. The device had previously been tested in various settings, including police departments and schools, raising further concerns about its widespread adoption.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and The Associated Press highlight the Army study's findings that the gloves cause intense pain and immediate compliance, emphasizing that ICE was aware of these results before purchasing. Mother Jones focuses on the 'low optics' nature of the device, noting that it leaves no visible marks, making it harder for victims to sue or for public outrage to arise. Common Dreams underscores the lack of safety data and the potential for misuse by an agency with a history of excessive force. The Independent and other sources note the manufacturer's claims that the gloves are a 'safe' de-escalation tool, contrasting this with the Army's findings. DHS and ICE maintain that the gloves are essential for officer safety and are used in accordance with policy, while critics argue they are a tool for intimidation and brutality.

Why it matters

The purchase of shock gloves by ICE raises significant concerns about the use of force in immigration enforcement and the potential for abuse. The Army study's findings suggest that the device causes intense pain and fear, which could lead to misuse and human rights violations. The lack of visible marks makes it difficult to hold officers accountable for their use, raising questions about oversight and transparency. As ICE prepares to deploy the gloves, the debate over their safety and appropriateness is likely to intensify, with potential legal and political challenges ahead.

What to watch

ICE is expected to continue its rollout of the shock gloves, with White House border czar Tom Homan indicating that it could take some time due to training and policy issues. Democratic senators, including Catherine Cortez Masto, are likely to continue pressing ICE for answers about the gloves' use and safety. Legal challenges may arise from states like California, where lawmakers have proposed bans on the device. The manufacturer, Compliant Technologies, may face increased scrutiny over the safety and efficacy of its product.