House Democrats demand ICE scrap electric-shock glove contract over safety fears
House Democrats on the Homeland Security Committee have formally asked DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to cancel ICE's planned acquisition of electric shock gloves, citing a history of excessive force and fatalities involving federal agents. The letter references multiple deaths and injuries from previous 'less-lethal' weapons, including rubber bullets and chemical sprays, and notes the manufacturer's own warnings about risks to vulnerable individuals. Democrats argue the gloves could lead to further harm if deployed in immigration enforcement operations.
The procurement notice for the G.L.O.V.E. device was published by ICE earlier this month, prompting the committee’s formal objection. The letter cites specific incidents, including the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good during federal agent altercations in Minnesota, as well as injuries from rubber bullets that blinded protesters. The manufacturer’s own manual warns against use on elderly, pregnant, or disabled individuals and advises limiting skin contact to 15 seconds, with two officers never applying the device simultaneously. DHS has defended the purchase, stating it reviews all technology for compliance, while border czar Tom Homan characterized the gloves as an intermediate compliance tool requiring extensive training.
This dispute could shape public trust in immigration enforcement, particularly among communities already wary of federal tactics. If deployed, the gloves may raise legal and ethical questions about proportionality, especially given ICE’s documented history of force incidents. The outcome could influence future procurement of “less-lethal” devices by other agencies, potentially setting precedents for oversight and accountability. Affected groups include detainees, protestors, and bystanders, as well as officers whose training and conduct may come under increased scrutiny.