U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to purchase electric-shock gloves for its agents to use as non-lethal de-escalation tools.
The procurement introduces a new layer of force in immigration enforcement, raising questions about how these devices will be deployed during arrests.
The agency is seeking to equip thousands of agents [3] with the CTG 5 G.L.O.V.E, which stands for Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter. According to a notice published on Monday, the gloves are intended to provide a safe option to de-escalate encounters with individuals.
Financial estimates for the purchase vary between reports. Some sources said the agency plans to spend between $10 million and $20 million [2], while other reports said the maximum budget for the gloves is $20 million [1].
ICE operates under the Department of Homeland Security. The agency said it intends to complete the procurement process by March 2027 [4].
The G.L.O.V.E. system is marketed as a way to manage volatile situations without resorting to lethal force. By integrating the shock mechanism into a glove, agents can apply a voltage emitter during physical contact to neutralize a subject.
“ICE plans to purchase electric-shock gloves for its agents to use as non-lethal de-escalation tools.”
The adoption of the CTG 5 G.L.O.V.E. represents a shift toward specialized non-lethal weaponry in federal immigration enforcement. By spending up to $20 million on these devices, ICE is prioritizing tools that allow agents to incapacitate individuals through direct contact, potentially reducing the reliance on traditional firearms, or chemical sprays during high-tension encounters.
