US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced plans to spend up to $20 million on electric shock gloves for law enforcement officers nationwide [1, 2]. The gloves, manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC in Lexington, Kentucky, release low-voltage shocks upon skin contact to subdue resistant subjects within about three seconds without leaving burn marks [1, 3, 4]. The device requires direct skin contact and will not work through clothing or hair [4].
The Department of Homeland Security submitted procurement documents on August 10, signaling ICE's intent to be the first federal agency to adopt this technology at scale [4]. Previously, electric shock gloves have seen limited use in some prisons and police departments [1]. Officers will be trained and recertified every two years, and the gloves are prohibited for use on vulnerable groups including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and disabled individuals [5].
New York State officials strongly oppose the plan. Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James warned that using these gloves in New York could violate state laws and constitutional rights [2]. Hochul said, "You cannot trample on anyone’s constitutional rights or cause unnecessary harm to others. ICE will be held accountable" [2]. James added, "If someone in New York is injured by the use of these electric shock gloves, the state will take legal action against the Department of Homeland Security. That is for sure" [2].
As of July 2026, about 12 local law enforcement agencies in New York remain tied to civil immigration enforcement agreements with ICE. New state law requires these agreements to end by August 24, or the agencies may face legal consequences [2, 6, 7]. Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman publicly supported continued cooperation, citing more than 2,000 criminals removed through joint efforts [2, 6, 7].
Human rights groups including the ACLU condemned the planned adoption. ACLU Police Practices Project Deputy Director Jenn Rolnick Borchetta said, "There is no reason to believe ICE officers will use these devices appropriately. Introducing gloves that cause severe pain so easily is a recipe for harm to the public" [5]. The Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths president John Peters described the sensation as "quick and sharp...like being stung by a bee once," calling it "an effective tool if officers face resistance" [5].
ICE officials emphasize all officers receive de-escalation and use-of-force training. They assert that any equipment deployed will comply with enforcement policies and legal standards [3, 4, 5]. Compliant Technologies CEO Jeff Niklaus declined to comment on the ICE contract plans [2].
At least three lawsuits alleging injury or death linked to electric shock gloves are currently pending [1]. New York’s August 24 deadline for termination of ICE civil immigration agreements adds to the pressure on agencies still collaborating with federal immigration enforcement [2, 6, 7].
