U.S. ICE to spend up to $20 million on electroshock gloves for its agents
Kyiv • UNN
U.S. ICE plans to purchase thousands of Glove electroshock gloves worth up to $20 million. Human rights advocates have expressed concern about possible abuses.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on purchasing thousands of gloves capable of delivering painful electric shocks. The Guardian reports this, citing documents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, writes UNN.
Details
The devices, called Glove (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), are manufactured by Kentucky-based Compliant Technologies LLC. ICE plans to receive the gloves by March.
According to the manufacturer, the device functions as an ordinary patrol glove until an officer activates the electrical mode. To apply the effect, the glove must be placed directly against the skin.
The discomfort associated with the stimulation is usually effective in bringing people into a state of compliance in less than three seconds and does not leave burns, marks, or scars
Human rights advocates fear abuse
Such gloves were previously used, among other places, in U.S. prisons. John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of Deaths in Custody, who studied the device's use, described its effect as sharp and instantaneous.
It is an instantaneous and sharp effect that will divert your attention. I call it a bee sting
Human rights advocates opposed the purchase, citing concerns about the use of force by ICE officers during immigration operations. The ACLU said that access to such a device could make it easier to use electric shocks, which are more difficult to detect during arrests.
At the same time, the manufacturer warns against using the gloves as punishment for verbal disobedience and against using them on children, pregnant women, elderly people, or people with disabilities. The company declined to comment on ICE's purchase.