US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend between $10 million and $20 million on electric shock gloves known as the Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter (GLOVE), federal documents show as of August 10, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The gloves can deliver up to 380 volts through electric pulses activated by a button that must contact exposed skin, though they can work through thin wet clothing layers [1, 2, 3].
The gloves are intended for use by ICE subsidiaries Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO). They are designed to supplement existing law enforcement tools to distract or de-escalate encounters and require training with recertification every two years [1]. Compliant Technologies LLC, the device manufacturer, states on its website that the gloves are widely used by various agencies and generally do not cause injury [1, 2].
The gloves emit up to 30 pulses per second at a recommended maximum shock duration of 15 seconds [1, 4]. However, a pending wrongful death lawsuit alleges repeated use of the gloves, along with Tasers, caused the 2024 death of Johnathan Mansfield in Kentucky custody [3, 4]. The family's suit claims Mansfield was shocked 27 times with the electric gloves and 13 times with a Taser, while an internal sheriff's investigation counted 23 glove shocks, 13 Taser shocks, and two probe deployments [4]. One shock lasted 99 seconds, far exceeding the manufacturer’s recommendation [4].
The Fayette County coroner ruled Mansfield's death accidental due to methamphetamine intoxication, but the lawsuit and some medical opinions link the extended shock use with cardiac arrest contributing to the fatality [4]. Civil rights groups and Democratic officials have criticized ICE’s planned purchase, warning about misuse risks, especially on vulnerable populations including immigrants and protesters [2, 3, 4]. New York Attorney General Letitia James said, "We are outraged. ICE officers who misuse the gloves in my state could face criminal and civil consequences" [3].
The Department of Homeland Security said ICE continuously assesses officers’ equipment needs to ensure tools comply with law enforcement policies. "ICE is constantly assessing the needs of our officers in the field to ensure they have the tools and equipment necessary to safely arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens from our country," DHS stated [1, 3].
ICE plans to proceed with the electric glove purchase following the August 10 notice. Training and recertification requirements for users will continue as part of use protocols.
