New electric shock gloves arriving for those who resist ICE agents, the US agency that deals with immigration. This is the brand new high-tech device wanted by the American Department of Homeland Security, for which a total expense of up to 20 million dollars has already been allocated. The technical name of this instrument is GLOVE (a word that in English means glove), an acronym that stands for Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter.
The “electric” gloves
According to the Washington government’s plans, the first models should be officially delivered to the immigration enforcement force by the year 2027. On the surface, these devices look like normal patrol gloves made of leather or fabric, until the agent decides to press a small hidden switch to activate the electric mode. To release the painful shock, the glove must be placed in direct contact with the skin of the stopped person; the pain caused is described by technicians as extremely acute and immediate.
The controversies
The main associations for the protection of civil rights immediately started strong protests against the project. The real risk, according to activists, is that such an accessory could facilitate excessive and uncontrolled use of force by officers. This would happen much easier than using the classic taser, a weapon that must still be removed from the holster, aimed and turned on to be used. Furthermore, the news of the purchase of this new military device arrives at a very hot moment, in which Ice is already strongly criticized by public opinion and finds itself under accusation due to the worrying increase in migrant deaths recorded both during police operations on the street and within temporary detention centres.