The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to purchase electric-shock gloves for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, with an estimated investment between $10 million and $20 million by the end of March 2027. The gloves are intended for distribution among agents in ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

This move comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Trump administration's immigration policies and enforcement methods. Since the start of the year, at least four people have been shot dead during encounters with ICE agents. Additionally, protests have erupted following deaths in ICE custody, including incidents at detention centers such as Delaney Hall in New Jersey.

Most Americans reportedly believe that President Donald Trump has gone too far in his immigration crackdown, according to polls.

Critics have condemned the decision to arm ICE agents with electric-shock gloves. Kica Mantos, president of the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), described ICE as "a rogue agency with an $80 billion slush fund that allows them to concoct and fund new ways to visit cruelty upon our communities." She further stated, "Arming poorly trained agents with electric shock gloves to inflict pain on our neighbors is disgusting and barbaric."

The announcement also coincides with recent US court rulings that have cleared the way for deportations of nationals from countries including South Sudan and Myanmar.

Sources