Electric-shock gloves that ICE plans to use for controlling detainees and protesters caused intense pain and immediate compliance during a previously unreleased army study, according to records obtained by American Oversight and shared with the Associated Press. The study, conducted at Fort Leavenworth in October 2024, found that participants experienced "fatigue, soreness and excessive apprehensiveness to being shocked again" after just one exposure. This revelation comes as ICE moves forward with a $16.7 million contract to purchase 6,000 pairs of the gloves, raising serious questions about their safety and ethical implications.
What the Army Study Revealed About Electric-Shock Gloves
The military exercise at Fort Leavenworth involved army employees role-playing as combative prisoners. When officers applied shocks by touching the gloves to their skin, participants—several of whom were large-statured men—stopped resisting within seconds. The study noted that the shocks had a "profound impact," leaving participants fearful of additional exposures. These findings were known to ICE leaders before they signed the contract in August, according to documents obtained by American Oversight.
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How the G.L.O.V.E. Devices Work
The gloves, branded as G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), are manufactured by Compliant Technologies, a veteran-owned company based in Lexington, Kentucky. They are designed to deliver a low-voltage shock upon contact, aiming to incapacitate without causing lasting injury. However, the army study suggests that the pain and psychological effects are far from negligible.
| Feature | G.L.O.V.E. Device | Traditional Taser |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage Output | Low voltage | High voltage |
| Contact Required | Yes (direct touch) | No (projectile wires) |
| Range | Close quarters | Up to 35 feet |
| Primary Effect | Pain compliance | Neuromuscular incapacitation |
| Study Findings | Intense pain, fear | Mixed reports |
Key Takeaways from the Controversy
- ICE leaders were aware of the army study's findings before signing the $16.7 million contract.
- Participants experienced intense pain and stopped fighting immediately after being shocked.
- Psychological effects included excessive apprehensiveness to future shocks.
- The gloves are marketed as a less-lethal tool for controlling combative individuals.
- Human rights groups have raised concerns about potential abuse and excessive force.
Implications for ICE and Immigration Enforcement
The Trump administration's order for these devices aligns with its hardline immigration policies. While ICE argues that the gloves provide a safer alternative to firearms or batons, critics contend that they could be easily misused, especially against non-violent protesters or detainees. The army study's documentation of severe pain and fear adds weight to these concerns.
FAQ
What are electric-shock gloves?
Electric-shock gloves are wearable devices that deliver a low-voltage shock upon contact, designed to incapacitate or gain compliance from a subject through pain.
Why is ICE purchasing these gloves?
ICE claims the gloves offer a less-lethal option for controlling combative detainees and protesters, potentially reducing injuries compared to other methods.
What did the army study find?
The study found that the shocks caused intense pain, immediate cessation of resistance, and lingering fear of being shocked again among participants.
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