ICE Proceeds with Electric Shock Gloves Despite Military Study Highlighting Pain and Fear

ICE moves forward with $16.7M contract for electric shock gloves, despite military findings of intense pain and lingering fear.

Editorial Desk

October 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is moving ahead with the procurement of electric-shock gloves, despite internal military research that highlighted their potential to cause significant discomfort and psychological distress.

The agency signed a $16.7 million contract in August to acquire 6,000 pairs of the devices, known as G.L.O.V.E., or Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter. The purchase aligns with broader plans by the Department of Homeland Security to spend up to $20 million on similar de-escalation tools by March, according to public notices and watchdog reports.

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A U.S. Army study conducted at Fort Leavenworth in October 2024 found that test subjects playing the role of combative inmates stopped resisting within seconds after being shocked. However, participants reported lasting soreness, fatigue, and heightened apprehension about future shocks. The report noted no conclusive data on long-term health effects, but it did indicate that the device could be effective in forcing compliance.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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