Sixteen US senators have called on the Trump administration to abandon a proposal to spend up to $20 million on electric-shock gloves for immigration officers, raising alarms over safety risks, civil rights implications, inadequate training, and the potential for misuse during arrests.

What the Proposed Purchase Involves

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a procurement notice on 10 August regarding ICE's planned acquisition of the CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E. — marketed as a 'Conductive Distraction and De-escalation Device.' The device delivers an electric shock through direct physical contact. The planned acquisition is valued at between $10 million and $20 million and would equip officers within Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations.

What the Senators Said

'We write to express deep concern about US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on gloves that deliver electric shocks,' the lawmakers wrote. They warned that 'a device capable of delivering an electrical shock through direct contact with an individual presents substantial risks if deployed during civil arrests — even more so if it is deployed without clear limits, appropriate training, and comprehensive oversight.'

The letter flagged concerns about 'necessity, proportionality, medical safety, training, accountability, and constitutional rights.' The senators also noted that the device's own manufacturer warns it may cause or contribute to death or serious injury, with longer exposure increasing that risk.

Key Questions Raised

The Democratic-led group demanded answers to 31 questions and production of related documents by 10 September. Among their concerns: why the purchase is being pursued through a non-competitive procurement process, how many units ICE intends to buy, the per-unit cost, and which officers would be issued the devices.

The senators also asked whether use of the gloves would be prohibited against vulnerable individuals — including children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities — and whether they could be deployed against US citizens, people already in custody, animals, or crowds.

Existing Tools and Accountability Gaps

The lawmakers pointed out that ICE personnel already have access to pepper spray, Tasers, batons, restraint techniques, and de-escalation strategies, questioning what additional operational capability the shock gloves would provide. Senator Jack Reed acknowledged that shock gloves could have legitimate law-enforcement applications when used correctly by properly trained officers, but stressed the need for systemic reforms first. 'What ICE needs is better vetting and training of its agents,' Reed said. 'Every ICE agent needs to be equipped with a body camera, and they need to be appropriately held accountable for their actions, just like every other law enforcement officer.'

Who Signed the Letter

The letter was led by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and co-signed by Senators Ben Ray Luján, Angus King, Dick Durbin, Jacky Rosen, Peter Welch, Patty Murray, Jeanne Shaheen, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Andy Kim, Adam Schiff, Jack Reed, Alex Padilla, Tammy Duckworth, and Amy Klobuchar. If ICE proceeds with the purchase, the senators have made clear that Congress will demand full transparency on the device's safety profile and authorised uses.