The Department of Homeland Security is considering spending between $10 million and $20 million on a new type of electric shock device for ICE officers and agents.
DHS published a notice Monday morning outlining plans to purchase what are known as G.L.O.V.E. devices — short for Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter.
According to NBC News, DHS officials say the gloves emit a shock at the touch of a button but claim the device will not leave a mark or cause lasting pain after a person is released. Advocates say the gloves allow officers to avoid using firearms and are a better alternative to pepper spray.
In a statement to NBC News, DHS said: “Every decision is made with careful consideration and appropriately reviewed to ensure that any technology ICE utilizes is consistent with all applicable law enforcement policies and standards.”
The announcement comes as President Donald Trump has praised ICE for a recent surge in deportations.
“We have the strongest border in the history of our country,” Trump said. “We will always stand with ICE and border patrol and law enforcement.”
But not everyone shares that enthusiasm. Immigrant rights advocates have raised concerns about how the devices could be used in the field.
“This is an agency that uses force first, and then lies about it and avoids accountability later,” said Amy Fischer of Amnesty International USA.
It remains unclear how many gloves DHS intends to purchase or when officers would begin using them.