Lawmakers Urge Halt to ICE's Electric Shock Gloves Plan

In a bold move, a trio of U.S. lawmakers, including Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar, has called for the immediate cessation of a controversial plan by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to purchase electric shock gloves for its officers. The initiative, which could cost up to $20 million, is aimed at equipping agents with devices branded as 'conductive distraction and de-escalation devices.'

In a letter directed to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the lawmakers expressed grave concerns about the potential for misuse of these gloves, warning they could lead to serious injuries or fatalities. They highlighted ICE's troubling history of aggressive tactics, which have been employed during President Donald Trump's mass deportation efforts.

“Given ICE’s horrific record of violence,” Thanedar and fellow representatives Bennie Thompson and Lou Correa argued, the gloves should not be introduced without significant oversight and training. They criticized the agency for having hired inadequately trained personnel who may not be equipped to handle such powerful devices responsibly.

Source: www.thehindu.com