ICE to Spend $20 Million on Pain-Inducing Shock Gloves Amid Human Rights Criticism
The Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to spend up to $20 million by March on shock gloves manufactured by Compliant Technologies, drawing sharp criticism from human rights researchers who label the device inherently abusive.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced a procurement plan to spend up to $20 million by March on a controversial piece of law enforcement equipment: the GLOVE (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter). Manufactured by Compliant Technologies based in Lexington, Kentucky, the device is classified as a non-lethal Conductive Distraction and De-escalation Device (CD3) and has drawn significant scrutiny from human rights advocates regarding its operational mechanics and intended use.
Unlike traditional stun guns or Tasers that utilise high voltages to cause neuromuscular incapacitation by overriding the central nervous system, the GLOVE operates through a mechanism known as Neuro-Peripheral Interference (NPI). When activated, conductive pads embedded in the palm and fingers transmit high-frequency electrical pulses directly to a subject’s skin. This process overstimulates sensory nerves, delivering intense, localized pain that inhibits coordinated muscle movement without causing systemic muscle lockup or leaving permanent marks.
The device requires direct contact with bare skin or thin, wet clothing to function effectively. According to manufacturer specifications, the gloves will not work through dry clothing or thick hair, though they remain operational if a subject is wearing soaked garments such as T-shirts or blouses. The system is powered by a rechargeable battery housed in a cuff pouch, capable of operating between 14 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit, with a maximum voltage capped at 380 V across its Gen 3, 4, and 5 iterations.
Compliant Technologies claims that the gloves induce subject compliance in less than three seconds and leave no burns or scars. The manufacturer also notes that the electrical current flows only between the device and the subject, meaning officers wearing the gloves or assisting in restraint should not feel shocks. Newer models, specifically Gen 4 and Gen 5, include data recording mechanisms to track activation events for audit trails, with Gen 5 utilising internal memory accessed via USB-C.
Despite these technical assurances, the technology has faced strong opposition from human rights researchers. Michael Crowley, a senior researcher at the Omega Research Foundation, described the device as inherently abusive, arguing that its primary function is to inflict pain rather than de-escalate situations. Crowley stated that while the company markets the GLOVE as a de-escalation solution, it is fundamentally designed to control individuals through suffering, and should not be manufactured or sold to law enforcement agencies including ICE.
Compliant Technologies did not respond to requests for comment regarding the device’s operation or the specific terms of the ICE contract. The gloves are restricted to verified professional entities such as military and correctional facilities, with users required to undergo certification and recertification every two years to maintain operational status.
