ICE Plans to Spend Up to $20M on Electric-Shock 'G.L.O.V.E.' Devices for Agents

CNN and NPR reported August 12, 2026 that ICE plans to spend $10-20 million to equip officers with the G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), a 'conductive distraction and de-escalation device' manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC of Lexington, Kentucky, by March 2027 according to a DHS procurement notice. The glove delivers an electric shock similar to a Taser through direct skin contact, without prongs. 404 Media obtained the device's operating manual, which warns of a risk of 'sudden death.' The manufacturer instructs the device not be used as punishment, against people exhibiting only 'verbal defiance or belligerence,' or on children, pregnant women, or elderly/disabled people, and recommends shocks last no more than 15 seconds — but CBS News reported an internal investigation found two prior glove-shock incidents lasted 45 and 99 seconds. The ACLU said the device gives agents 'a concealed means of delivering terrible pain' with reduced accountability; ICE officials, including border czar Tom Homan, defended it as a less-lethal alternative to firearms.