The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is set to procure electric shock gloves, known as CTG-5 Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters, for its officers. This decision has sparked significant concern among rights advocates who fear it could exacerbate existing issues related to the agency’s conduct during immigration enforcement.
Details of the Procurement
ICE intends to allocate up to $20 million for the purchase of electric shock gloves designed to disrupt an individual’s capacity to respond. These gloves, referred to as Conductive Distraction and De-escalation Devices, are aimed at being issued to officers involved in Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement Removal Operations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that every decision regarding the technology is made with careful consideration and is reviewed to ensure compliance with law enforcement policies. This procurement reflects a broader trend in law enforcement agencies seeking new technologies to assist in their operations.
Concerns from Rights Advocates
The announcement of this procurement has raised alarms among rights groups, particularly the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which has condemned the use of such devices. The ACLU argues that providing immigration agents with a concealed means of inflicting pain could lead to increased harm to the public and reduced accountability for officers. This concern is amplified by recent incidents involving ICE, including fatal shootings of U.S. citizens and ongoing protests against the agency’s tactics. Critics argue that the use of electric shock gloves could further escalate tensions between ICE and the communities it serves, particularly among ethnic minorities who have raised concerns about racial profiling.
Context of ICE’s Actions
The backdrop to ICE’s decision to procure electric shock gloves includes significant scrutiny of the agency’s practices under the Trump administration. Since January 2017, more than 50 individuals have died in ICE custody, prompting widespread protests and calls for reform. Rights groups have claimed that the aggressive enforcement tactics employed by ICE violate free speech and due process rights. The DHS has defended its actions by stating that the immigration crackdown is intended to enhance domestic security, but critics maintain that these measures create an unsafe environment, particularly for vulnerable populations.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Planned expenditure | $20 million |
| Device type | CTG-5 Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter |
| Intended users | ICE officers in Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement Removal Operations |
| Deaths in ICE custody since January 2017 | More than 50 |
The ACLU argues that giving immigration agents ‘a concealed means of delivering terrible pain is a recipe for more harm to the public.’
WHY IT MATTERS
This procurement highlights the ongoing debate over the use of force in immigration enforcement and the implications for civil rights.
Reported from dailymaverick.co.za, 2026-08-13. The Tender Wire is published by Otnox.
