ICE plans to purchase electrified shock gloves for field agents
Immigration and Customs Enforcement aims to spend up to $20 million on specialized gloves that deliver painful electrical shocks.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- ICE plans to allocate up to $20 million for specialized electrified gloves
- The equipment is identified as the CTG 5 GLOVE by manufacturer Compliant Technologies
- It delivers up to 380V of electricity activated via a switch within one second
- Delivery of an unspecified quantity is scheduled by March 2027
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is pursuing a budget of up to $20 million to equip officers and field agents with specialized gloves capable of delivering painful electrical shocks. Details of this procurement plan were disclosed in a Department of Homeland Security notice published on Monday, with delivery for an unspecified number of units targeted for completion by March 2027.
The handwear specified in the contract documentation is the CTG 5 GLOVE, which stands for Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, referred to by manufacturer Compliant Technologies as a CD3 (Conductive Distraction and De-escalation) device. The maker characterizes the product as a low-profile de-escalation solution that successfully brings individuals into compliance in under three seconds.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The electric shock mechanism can be engaged within a single second using an integrated switch on the glove, capable of producing a maximum voltage of up to 380V upon skin contact. This output is compared in scale closer to a canine shock collar than a standard taser. According to the user manual, the discharge inhibits and distracts subjects from executing coordinated muscle movements.
Despite its deployment purpose, the product guide outlines multiple strict warnings: operators must not use more than one pair on a single individual, administer shocks exceeding 15 seconds, or deploy the devices against vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, or disabled persons.
The integration of less-lethal technologies into law enforcement operations frequently sparks intense debate regarding transparency and accountability. When enforcement tools are disguised or lack the immediate visual deterrent of traditional weaponry, the potential for misuse increases, making independent oversight and strict regulatory frameworks critical for public safety.
Because the CD3 gloves lack the visual indicators typical of conventional weapons, the manufacturer brands them as an invisible partner meant to augment established enforcement protocols. The Associated Press reported that the Department of Homeland Security is formulating a response to media inquiries but has not provided immediate comments regarding the acquisition strategy.
"ICE spent the last year showing this country they are too quick to use force. Now they will be able to deploy electric shocks with the slight push of a button that maybe nobody else can see them do. Introducing gloves that can so easily be used to deliver terrible pain in encounters is a recipe for harm to the public."
Jenn Rolnick Borchetta, Deputy Project Director on Policing at the American Civil Liberties Union
Source: The Verge
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