U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has approved a $16.7 million contract to acquire 6,000 pairs of gloves capable of administering electric shocks to control detainees and demonstrators who resist. Despite objections from civil rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers, ICE proceeded with the purchase. The agency revealed its intention to procure “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices” in a recent notice.
ICE finalized a no-bid contract with Compliant Technologies LLC, a Kentucky-based company, to procure the gloves. The agreement includes 6,000 devices, support equipment, and services to be delivered over the next six months. Critics have raised concerns about ICE’s use of force and lack of oversight, particularly in the context of President Trump’s immigration enforcement.
The use of such gloves has resulted in fatalities during encounters with ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. Following public outcry, ICE scaled back deportation operations in major cities after fatal incidents involving American citizens prompted backlash. Despite the administration’s focus on removing violent criminals, data indicated that a significant portion of those arrested had no criminal record or pending charges.
ICE’s notice came shortly after a group of senators, led by Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto, urged the agency to cancel the glove purchase. The senators expressed skepticism about ICE’s ability to responsibly deploy such devices, citing past incidents of excessive force across various locations.
The gloves function as standard patrol gloves until activated to deliver electric shocks, which are intended to compel compliance from resistant individuals. ICE stated that officers would use them in high-stress situations such as arrests, detainee transportation, and crowd control scenarios. The agency emphasized the gloves’ role in preventing more severe force, like firearms, and maintaining control in volatile situations.
Critics, including Cortez Masto and other senators, warned of the risks associated with deploying such devices during civil arrests without adequate training and oversight. In response to criticism, the Department of Homeland Security, ICE’s parent agency, defended the purchase, denouncing detractors for endangering their officers.
This contract is part of a series of no-bid agreements issued by the Trump administration, drawing scrutiny from Democrats. Similar contracts have been awarded for various purchases, including airplanes, detention facilities, and controversial renovation projects.
