ICE plans to equip agents with electric shock gloves

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to purchase up to $20 million worth of electric shock gloves for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, sparking immediate backlash from Democratic lawmakers and immigrant rights groups. The devices, known as CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), are manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC and deliver up to 380 volts upon direct skin contact, intended to subdue resisting individuals without leaving marks Source: El Mundo. DHS describes them as a "conductive distraction and de-escalation device" and says ICE continuously evaluates its agents' equipment needs Source: EFE via Hoy.

Reactions

Critics argue the gloves could escalate force and enable covert abuse. Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, called the plan "repugnant and barbaric," describing ICE as "an out-of-control agency with an opaque $80 billion fund" Source: El Día. Representative Delia Ramírez (D-IL) said "under no circumstances" should DHS be trusted with such devices, while Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL) called them tools for "masked, lawless thugs" Source: El Día. Jorge Torres of NDLON accused the administration of seeking "the capacity to torture people discreetly" and called for ICE's abolition Source: Infobae.

Support and Concerns

Supporters, including former ICE acting director Tom Homan, frame the gloves as a less-lethal alternative to firearms, similar to Tasers or pepper spray Source: El Mundo. Justin Hall, a Kentucky jailer who has used them for four years, called them "an excellent tool" for gaining compliance Source: El Mundo. However, experts like Geoffrey Alpert warn that "user error is almost predictable" given insufficient training Source: El Mundo. The ACLU's Jenn Rolnick Borchetta noted that the gloves could be activated discreetly, making oversight difficult Source: La Vanguardia. The plan comes amid scrutiny of ICE's tactics, including recent fatal shootings of migrants and U.S. citizens Source: Clarín.