ICE finalizes $16.7 million purchase of shock gloves despite Army study showing pain
Aug 15, 2026

ICE has signed a $16.7 million contract to purchase 6,000 pairs of electrical shock gloves, known as the G.L.O.V.E., from Kentucky-based Compliant Technologies LLC, with delivery planned by March 2027. A previously unreleased Army study from an October 2024 exercise at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, found the gloves caused intense pain and fear, with test participants stopping resistance immediately after being shocked and later showing fatigue, soreness and apprehension about further exposure. Records obtained by the watchdog group American Oversight through a public records request show ICE leaders were aware of the study's findings before signing the contract in August. The manufacturer warns against using the gloves as punishment or on children, pregnant women, elderly people, and people with disabilities, while critics including American Oversight's Chioma Chukwu say the study demonstrates the gloves inflict pain without proving they are safe.
Timeline
Sources
- ICE to spend up to $20m on gloves that can deliver painful electric shocks
The Guardian·Aug 11, 2026·archived copy
- ICE grants $16.7 million contract to buy thousands of electric shock gloves
CBS News·Aug 27, 2026
- ICE Steps Up Presence at Portland Jetport as Agency Prepares to Equip Agents With Electric Shock Gloves
themainewire.com·Aug 15, 2026·archived copy
- Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance, and fear
Boston Globe·Oct 6, 2026
- Durango Herald | Colorado News & Breaking Stories
tj.durangoherald.com·Mar 12, 2026
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