US senators oppose ICE electric-shock gloves
Washington, Aug 29 (IANS) Sixteen US senators have urged the Trump administration to abandon plans to spend up to $20 million on electric-shock gloves for immigration officers, citing concerns about safety, training, civil rights and possible misuse during arrests.
Senator Jack Reed acknowledged that shock gloves could have legitimate law-enforcement applications when used correctly by properly trained officers.The Democratic-led group asked US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to cancel the proposed purchase. If the agency proceeds, the lawmakers want it to answer 31 questions and produce related documents by September 10.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a notice on August 10 concerning ICE’s proposed acquisition of the CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E. The device delivers an electric shock through direct contact and is described as a “Conductive Distraction and De-escalation Device”.
The planned acquisition is valued at between $10 million and $20 million. The gloves could be used by officers with Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations, according to the senators’ letter.
“We write to express deep concern about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on gloves that deliver electric shocks,” the senators wrote.
They questioned whether ICE personnel could safely use the equipment amid public scrutiny of the agency’s enforcement practices.
“The proposed acquisition raises serious questions about necessity, proportionality, medical safety, training, accountability, and constitutional rights,” they said.
“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 was led by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada. It was 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.
The lawmakers noted that ICE personnel already have access to pepper spray, Tasers, batons, restraint techniques and de-escalation strategies. They asked what additional operational capability the gloves would provide.
They also sought details about the number of gloves ICE intended to buy, the cost of each device, the officers who would receive them and why the purchase was being pursued through a non-competitive procurement process.
The senators asked whether officers would need supervisory permission before activating the gloves and whether their use would be prohibited against children, pregnant women, older adults and those with disabilities.
They also demanded to know whether the devices could be used against US citizens, people in custody, animals or crowds.
According to the letter, the manufacturer warns that the gloves may cause or contribute to death or serious injury. It also cautions that longer exposure could increase the risk.
“If ICE proceeds with purchasing $20 million worth of electric-shock gloves, Congress needs a clear understanding of the device’s safety and authorised uses,” the senators said.
“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.”
–IANS
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