House Democrats on the Homeland Security Committee are urging Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to abandon plans to equip immigration agents with electric shock gloves. The lawmakers are calling for the procurement to be halted before more innocent lives are lost, according to their public statement.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement published a notice earlier this month outlining their intention to purchase the devices for use by immigration agents. The notice brought immediate pushback from Democratic committee members, who characterized the equipment as potentially dangerous to civilians.
The committee Democrats framed their appeal around public safety concerns, specifically citing the risk to people who have not been convicted of crimes. Their statement suggests previous incidents have resulted in loss of life, though the specific cases prompting their concern were not detailed in the public appeal.
The electric shock gloves would represent a significant addition to the restraint and compliance tools available to ICE agents during enforcement operations. Immigration enforcement equipment decisions have historically drawn scrutiny from civil liberties advocates and congressional oversight committees, particularly when new technologies with potential for physical harm are introduced.
The procurement process is still underway, giving Congress and advocacy groups an opportunity to influence the final decision. Secretary Mullin has not publicly responded to the Democratic lawmakers' request to abandon the purchase plan.