Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls for Total Ban on ICE Usage of Electric Gloves

September 4, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demanding the immediate cancellation of their wasteful $16.7 million contract to equip ICE agents with electric shock gloves and the total ban of abusive devices across all immigration enforcement and detention operations. “This Administration’s mass deportation campaign isn’t just targeting the ‘worst of the worst,’ it is terrorizing our communities,” said Vasquez . “Now, they’re wasting taxpayer dollars to give untrained agents electric shock gloves – everything about this goes against our American values and puts American citizens at risk. We need reform and accountability, not untrained agents with more dangerous weapons.” “Introducing low-visibility electric shock weapons into our immigration enforcement system is an unacceptable escalation that prioritizes physical intimidation and unaccountable force over human safety and administrative accountability,” wrote Vasquez in the letter. “We reiterate our demand that you immediately halt the acquisition and deployment of electric shock gloves, cancel the contract, and refocus the Department’s resources on accountability and humanitarian standards rather than expanding a paramilitary apparatus.” The letter, joined by over 40 Members of Congress, highlights concerns about the use of electric shock devices like the G.L.O.V.E. by the UN Special Rapportuer on Torture, Amnesty International, Center for Victims of Torture, and Physicians for Human Rights. It also requests information regarding training and protocol for the G.L.O.V.E usage, and detailed documents regarding testing of the device. You can read the full letter HERE . Rep. Vasquez has consistently stood up against MAGA Republican’s mass deportation agenda and called for common-sense ICE reforms, protecting due process and human rights, and targeted, effective immigration enforcement. Some of his efforts include: Introducing the New American Immigration Plan , a commonsense plan to secure our borders, boost local economies, and expand legal pathways — all in a humane, cost-effective way that lives up to our American values of fairness and law and order. Voting against the Republican tax law, which granted DHS a $150 billion blank check to pay for mass detentions and deportations, including of American citizens Standing firm in his calls for reforms at DHS and opposition handing ICE another blank check Introducing the Humane Accountability Act , a bill that requires DHS to tell Congress and the public what it’s doing with taxpayer money — including data on detentions, deportations, and deaths in custody — so families know where their loved ones are and the public knows what its government is doing with taxpayer funds. ### Issues : Immigration & Border Solutions Rights & Freedoms