![The actions of ICE agents in enforcing Trump's immigration policies have been highly controversial [File: Ryan Murphy/AP Photo]](https://angelnetworknews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AP26223741514436-1787919117.webp "The actions of ICE agents in enforcing Trump's immigration policies have been highly controversial [File: Ryan Murphy/AP Photo]")
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has awarded a $16.7 million no-bid contract for 6,000 pairs of electric-shock gloves intended for use against resisting detainees and protesters.
The contract, published on a federal database on Thursday, was awarded to Kentucky-based Compliant Technologies and covers the gloves along with support equipment and services over the next six months.
ICE described the devices as “de-escalation devices” for high-tension situations, including arrests, transport of combative detainees and management of civil disturbances outside detention facilities.
“It will be used when a subject is actively or passively resisting and an officer needs to gain control quickly to prevent injuries to both parties,” the agency said in its procurement notice.
The agency stated the gloves would offer an alternative to more severe force, such as firearms, and would be deployed under approved policy, training and accountability standards.
Civil rights groups and Democratic lawmakers have opposed the purchase. The American Civil Liberties Union said providing immigration agents with “a concealed means of delivering terrible pain is a recipe for more harm to the public and less accountability.”
A group of US senators urged ICE to cancel the plan, citing concerns over the agency’s use of force and calling for clear limits, proper training and independent oversight.
The Department of Homeland Security rejected the criticism, describing attempts to restrict officers’ safety equipment as an effort to undermine and endanger them.
