‘Could result in injury or death’: Thanedar urges halting ICE’s electric shock glove plan
Democratic lawmakers, including Shri Thanedar, are urging the US government to halt ICE's procurement of electric shock gloves. They argue the devices pose significant safety risks and require training that the agency currently lacks.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights ongoing concerns regarding the militarization of law enforcement and the oversight of federal agencies' use-of-force equipment.
Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar and two other senior Democratic lawmakers have urged the US government to immediately halt Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) plan to procure gloves capable of delivering electric shocks to officers and agents.In a letter to homeland security secretary Markwayne Mullin on Friday, Thanedar, Bennie G Thompson and Lou Correa warned that the devices could be incorrectly used or abused by ICE personnel, potentially resulting "in injury or death".ICE plans to spend up to $20 million to purchase thousands of the devices, described by the Department of Homeland Security as “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices”.The procurement was first announced on August 10, according to a Democratic lawmakers' press release.Lawmakers warn of potential misuseThanedar, Thompson and Correa said the devices require significant training and restraint by officers.“Given ICE’s horrific record of violence against the public, the agency must not be allowed to equip its officers and agents with…
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