The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may soon have a new tool for detaining people: special G.L.O.V.E. gloves capable of delivering an electric shock upon contact with skin. The Department of Homeland Security plans to allocate up to $20 million for the purchase of these devices, but the initiative has already drawn criticism from human rights advocates who fear potential abuse, according to infohub.kz.
ICE officers are set to be equipped with G.L.O.V.E. electric shock gloves. The device is designed for use during arrests and, according to the manufacturer, is intended to help officers control individuals by disrupting their motor coordination.
As reported by an international agency, the purchase, for which the Department of Homeland Security intends to allocate up to $20 million, would provide gloves to officers in two ICE divisions, including those involved in deportation operations.
The device works by delivering an electric shock upon contact with the skin. Thus, externally, the glove looks like part of an officer's gear, but it also functions as a stun weapon.
The manufacturer claims the technology should primarily be used as a control measure during arrests. The shock is expected to disrupt a person's coordination, thereby helping the ICE officer complete the operation, as reported by BILD.
However, the rules of use include certain restrictions. The electric shock gloves cannot be used to punish an individual or against those who offer only verbal resistance.
The potential practical application of the new device is a major concern for human rights advocates. The American Civil Liberties Union has warned of the risk of abuse, as the electric shock can be delivered almost imperceptibly to bystanders.
The organization stated that there is no sufficient reason for the public to believe that ICE officers will always use such devices properly.
The criticism comes amid existing complaints about the U.S. immigration agency's practices. In recent years, ICE has frequently been at the center of public controversy over its arrest and deportation methods, especially during the Trump administration.
U.S. authorities, for their part, insist that officers undergo special training, including de-escalation techniques and rules on the use of force. The new gloves, they say, will also be used strictly in accordance with established guidelines.