DHS Plans Electric Shock Gloves Purchase Amidst Civil Liberties Debate
The Department of Homeland Security intends to purchase specialty gloves for its investigators and ICE agents that can deliver an electric shock. This move has sparked debate, with civil rights advocates raising concerns about potential harm and violation of civil…
Salt Lake City, UT, August 14, 2026 —
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to acquire specialized gloves capable of delivering an electric shock to its investigators and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The intended purchase has ignited a significant debate regarding the use of such devices.
Civil rights advocates have voiced strong opposition, expressing concerns that the electric shock gloves could lead to potential harm and infringe upon civil liberties. Conversely, proponents of the technology argue that these gloves are a necessary tool for de-escalation and ensuring officer safety in volatile situations.
The gloves are described as a ‘conductive distraction and de-escalation device.’ The company manufacturing these devices is based in Kentucky.
The proposed acquisition has drawn mixed reactions from various officials. Notably, New York’s governor and attorney general have publicly stated their opposition, deeming the gloves capable of inflicting ‘undue harm.’
The estimated cost for this procurement is projected to be between $10 million and $20 million. Specific details regarding the timeline for the purchase or the exact number of gloves to be acquired were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Jennifer Graham on www.deseret.com, see more information here.