Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing to issue thousands of battery-powered gloves to its officers and agents, a move that will introduce a new tool capable of delivering brief, painful electric shocks. According to an August 10 announcement from the Department of Homeland Security, the agency intends to spend between $10 million and $20 million in 2027 to acquire these devices.
Known as a Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter (G.L.O.V.E.), the equipment is designed to look like standard patrol gloves. The electric jolt is only triggered when an agent activates the device and maintains direct palm contact with an individual’s bare skin. While the gloves do not cause the recipient to lose consciousness, the resulting pain is intended to compel cooperation during enforcement encounters.
The manufacturer, Lexington, Kentucky-based Compliant Technologies, notes that the device is distinct from a Taser because it lacks needles or probes that penetrate the skin. While a Taser X26 can deliver approximately 1,200 volts, the G.L.O.V.E. produces a maximum of 380 volts. The company states that the current is too low to penetrate clothing, hair, fur, or materials like plastic and metal, and it does not impact the nervous system beyond the specific point of contact.
John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, has likened the sensation to a bee sting. However, the device’s manual explicitly advises against using the gloves on pregnant women, small children, the elderly, or individuals with severe disabilities. While the gloves have seen limited use in some county jails and local law enforcement agencies, ICE appears to be the first federal entity to adopt them for widespread use.
Assistant Police Chief Adam Glueck of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, who appeared in a company-produced video, recalled being skeptical of the technology until he experienced it firsthand. He described the sensation as overwhelming, noting that it immediately forced him to the ground and focused his attention entirely on the cessation of pain rather than resistance.
The deployment will cover agents within Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights organizations and former ICE officials who served under previous Democratic administrations. They argue that providing officers with a new method to inflict pain is problematic given existing concerns regarding the agency’s use of force.
Jenn Rolnick Borchetta, deputy director of policing at the ACLU, criticized the move, stating that ICE has demonstrated a disregard for the law and an excessive reliance on force that has led to fatal consequences for both citizens and noncitizens. Similarly, Eric King, a spokesperson for the ACLU of Kentucky, expressed deep concern over the introduction of another tool capable of inflicting pain on individuals in custody.
In response to these concerns, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement emphasizing that ICE continuously evaluates the needs of its field officers. The department maintained that the equipment is necessary to ensure the safe arrest and removal of criminal illegal aliens. Officials highlighted that all technology is subject to rigorous review to ensure compliance with law enforcement standards and noted that the agency prioritizes training in de-escalation techniques.
Jeff Niklaus, the founder and CEO of Compliant Technologies, declined to comment when contacted by the Louisville Courier Journal. The procurement of these devices remains a point of contention as the agency moves forward with its 2027 deployment plans.
“Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter” – is less powerful than a Taser but still delivers an electric jolt of up to 380 volts.
By comparison the maximum output of a Taser X26 is about 1,200 volts, though outputs can differ depending on the model, according to the National Library of Medicine.
It doesn’t affect the body’s nervous system, only the area it touches, the company says.
Recipients don’t pass out, but the pain can force them to cooperate with agents.
The Glove causes pain and distraction through sustained physical contact.
The manual also states the Glove “shall not” be deployed for any of the following
When the Glove was demonstrated on his arm, “I was absolutely convinced.
I didn’t think about anything other than I wanted that pain to stop.
“I didn’t think about trying to pull away or try to fight with you,” Glueck said.
Every decision is made with careful consideration and appropriately reviewed to ensure that any technology ICE utilizes is consistent with all applicable law enforcement policies and standards.” The department highlighted officer training in de-escalation and increased threats faced by their agents.
