ICE grants $16.7 million contract to buy thousands of electric shock gloves

Updated on: August 27, 2026 / 7:32 PM EDT / CBS News

ICE grants $16.7 million contract to buy thousands of electric shock gloves

TL;DR

  • ICE has awarded a $16.7 million no-bid contract for 6,000 electric shock gloves (G.L.O.V.E.).
  • The gloves are designed to deliver painful shocks upon direct skin contact to gain compliance from resisting detainees.
  • ICE states the gloves offer a lower-impact option to avoid relying on physical force or firearms.
  • The contract was awarded to Compliant Technologies LLC for a six-month period.
  • Concerns have been raised by congressional Democrats and civil rights advocates regarding potential abuse and lack of adequate safeguards.
  • Senators urged ICE to abandon the purchase, citing risks to proportionality, medical safety, constitutional rights, and oversight.
  • DHS defended the purchase, calling criticism a 'despicable' attempt to endanger officers.
  • The glove technology, previously used by local police, is now being expanded to immigration enforcement.