--- title: "Army study finds ICE‑purchased shock gloves cause intense pain and immediate compliance" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/army-study-finds-icepurchased-shock-gloves-cause-intense-pain-and-immediate-comp" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/army-study-finds-icepurchased-shock-gloves-cause-intense-pain-and-immediate-comp" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/army-study-finds-icepurchased-shock-gloves-cause-intense-pain-and-immediate-comp.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/army-study-finds-icepurchased-shock-gloves-cause-intense-pain-and-immediate-comp" category: "Politics" area: "United States" published: "2026-10-07T02:05:17.287Z" source_reported: "2026-10-07T00:32:44.000Z" updated: "2026-10-07T02:05:17.287Z" trust_score: 86 critic_score: 95 hype_score: 18 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-10-07T02:00:08.787100+00:00" --- # Army study finds ICE‑purchased shock gloves cause intense pain and immediate compliance *The October 2024 Fort Leavenworth test showed volunteers stopped resisting within seconds, and ICE signed a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 pairs in August.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 86 of 100, higher is better. Multiple named sources, official study, contract details, and dates give high corroboration. - Craft 95 of 100, higher is better. Article explains significance, includes quotes, specific data, next steps, and clear structure. - Hype 18 of 100, lower is better. Headline accurately reflects body; language remains factual without sensationalism. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - An Army study at Fort Leavenworth in October 2024 found the gloves cause intense pain, fear and immediate compliance. - ICE signed a $16.7 million contract in August to buy 6,000 pairs of the gloves. - ICE has not responded to requests for comment about the study or deployment. - Sixteen senators have asked ICE to explain the purchase and safety measures, without receiving a reply. The U.S. Army conducted a test at the military prison in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in October 2024. Participants who wore the electric shock gloves reported severe pain, stopped fighting within seconds and expressed fear of further shocks. The study concluded that the devices produced immediate compliance and heightened apprehension among the volunteers. Records obtained by the watchdog group American Oversight show that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials were aware of the study’s findings before approving a contract in August. The contract, worth $16.7 million, calls for the purchase of 6,000 pairs of the gloves. ICE has not answered an Associated Press request for comment on the study or on how the gloves will be used. The agency’s own description calls the devices “distraction and de‑escalation” tools intended to keep officers safer. U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and fifteen other Democratic senators sent a letter on 27 August asking ICE to cancel the purchase or explain safeguards. The agency has not replied to the senators’ inquiry. > “After experiencing the effects of the GLOVE, … participants stated just seeing the GLOVE was enough to make them want to comply,” > > — authors of the Army study **$16.7 million** — Contract amount (ICE signed in August for 6,000 pairs of shock gloves) ## Omissions None of the right‑rated digests mention the $16.7 million contract amount that ICE signed for 6,000 pairs of shock gloves. ## Who covered it Shares of the 41 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 51% (21) - Centre: 34% (14) - Right: 15% (6) 23 of 64 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-07T02:00:08.787100+00:00. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 4 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-07T03:00:08.525Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - Left‑rated outlets highlighted the intense pain and terror the gloves cause, describing them as a tool that could be used to intimidate detainees and protesters. They stressed safety concerns, noting that the study did not evaluate risks for children, pregnant women or people with disabilities, and quoted critics who warned the gloves could brutalise vulnerable populations. ### Centre - Centre‑rated outlets reported the study’s findings, the $16.7 million contract and ICE’s claim that the gloves are “distraction and de‑escalation” devices. They included statements from ICE officials, the contract details, and the senators’ letters demanding answers, while also noting that ICE had not responded to media inquiries. ### Right - Right‑rated outlets focused on the study’s demonstration that the gloves produce immediate compliance and fear, repeating the description of the devices as powerful non‑lethal tools. They reported ICE’s framing of the gloves as safer alternatives but did not mention the contract’s $16.7 million cost. **Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - low: 1 - mixed: 2 - high: 21 - unknown: 24 - veryHigh: 16 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [Mother Jones](https://motherjones.com/politics/2026/10/ice-shock-glove-army-study-compliant-technologies-trauma) — Study: Shock gloves traumatized Army volunteers - [Remolacha - Noticias Republica Dominicana](https://remolacha.net/2026/10/guantes-de-ice) — Whatseto? ICE Electric Discharge Gloves - [American Oversight](https://americanoversight.org/ice-records-reveal-military-report-showing-shock-gloves-force-compliance-through-pain-did-not-evaluate-safety) — ICE Records Reveal Military Report Showing Shock Gloves Force Compliance Through Pain, Did Not Evaluate Safety - [VINnews](https://vinnews.com/2026/10/06/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear) — Army Study Found Shock Gloves Purchased By Ice Cause Pain, Compliance And Fear - [Turquesa News](https://turquesanews.mx/internacional/guantes-electricos-del-ice-causan-intenso-dolor-y-miedo) — ICE Electric Gloves Cause Intense Pain and Fear - [Military.com](https://military.com/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear) — Army Study Found Shock Gloves Purchased by Ice Cause Pain, Compliance and Fear - [The Independent Online](https://dailyindependent.com/national/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_d2664631-3363-5fa6-aea9-c46e82546461.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Ottumwa Courier](https://ottumwacourier.com/news/national_news/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_18532058-688e-5d7d-973b-8fed5040d279.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Kokomo Tribune](https://kokomotribune.com/news/nation_world_news/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_347876c7-a4ed-5558-891e-361ef2de7af5.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [The Daily Star](https://thedailystar.com/news/state/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_19a904b1-6c76-5c80-9ac8-bdde03e6d0c3.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Cherokee Tribune Ledger News](https://tribuneledgernews.com/local_news/state_and_national/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_8d5541bb-7093-5130-bfcf-9b15babe889e.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Common Dreams](https://commondreams.org/news/ice-glove-intense-pain) — An Army Study Showed Shock Gloves Caused 'Intense Pain' and Terrified Victims—Then ICE Ordered 6,000 Pairs of Them - [The Herald Journal](https://hjnews.com/nation/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_5acae4bb-69c5-5714-9966-a04e753cb46f.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Telemundo 44 Washington DC](https://telemundowashingtondc.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2401375) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra](https://telemundonuevainglaterra.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2615556) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo Miami (51)](https://telemundo51.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2833461) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo 62](https://telemundo62.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2613021) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo New York (47)](https://telemundo47.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2658799) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo Orlando (31)](https://telemundo31.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2436857) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo Tampa (49)](https://telemundo49.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2415501) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [The New York Ledger](https://thenyledger.com/news/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Spectrum News](https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2026/10/06/electric-shock-ice-gloves) — Study finds Kentucky shock gloves cause intense pain and force compliance - [Telemundo Chicago](https://telemundochicago.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2660912) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo Houston](https://telemundohouston.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2584973) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo McAllen (40)](https://telemundo40.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2549784) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Independent Español](https://independentespanol.com/noticias/eeuu/estudio-del-ejercito-hallo-que-guantes-electricos-comprados-por-ice-causan-intenso-dolor-y-miedo-b3062352.html) — Army Study Found that Electric Gloves Purchased by ICE Cause Intense Pain and Fear - [abc 7 LA](https://abc7.com/post/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-ice-cause-pain-compliance-fear/19914136) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/united-states/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_20d00566-0dcc-5809-917a-860088dec60d.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Richmond Register](https://richmondregister.com/ap/national/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_1636b2b3-1c27-58a1-bc1c-580f02710382.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Daily Record](https://dailyrecordnews.com/ap_news/us/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_8a809a75-5f76-56cc-bb5c-cc568bcaab99.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/11198774/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [The Free Press (Tampa)](https://tampafp.com/military-report-on-ice-shock-gloves-found-pain-drives-compliance-safety-unchecked) — Military Report On ICE Shock Gloves Found Pain Drives Compliance, Safety Unchecked - [Washington Times](https://washingtontimes.com/news/2026/oct/6/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-ice-cause-pain-compliance) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Telemundo Utah](https://telemundoutah.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2419274) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo Nuevo México](https://telemundonuevomexico.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/293672) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo Denver](https://telemundodenver.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2483414) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [The Virginian Pilot](https://pilotonline.com/2026/10/06/ice-shock-gloves-pain-compliance-fear) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/10/06/ice-shock-gloves-pain-compliance-fear) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Chicago Tribune](https://chicagotribune.com/2026/10/06/army-study-shock-gloves-ice) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/army-catherine-cortez-masto-tom-homan-kansas-fort-leavenworth-b3062319.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/ice-shock-gloves-army-study-pain-compliance-bf8e1ebf64eb6b7d79bed921cdb52676) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [abc News](https://abcnews.com/US/wireStory/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-ice-cause-137040358) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/news/2026/10/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear – WTOP News - [MY Northwest](https://mynorthwest.com/national/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/4283673) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/army-catherine-cortez-masto-tom-homan-kansas-fort-leavenworth-b3062319.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Cecil Daily](https://cecildaily.com/ap/nation/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_e35a3429-9e3f-5e3c-9e31-3577a6878cbd.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Henry Herald](https://henryherald.com/news/world_nation/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_aef4b990-c726-5d45-ae61-26fff7e9e6f4.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Jonesboro Sun](https://jonesborosun.com/news/national/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_e8de6be0-d4ff-5f9e-9c74-7fb2669fc93f.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Telemundo Area de la Bahía 48](https://telemundoareadelabahia.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2564627) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo 20](https://telemundo20.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2546462) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo Las Vegas](https://telemundolasvegas.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2474464) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo Phoenix/Tucson](https://telemundoarizona.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2587529) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [Telemundo Fresno](https://telemundofresno.com/noticias/inmigracion/guantes-electricos-comprados-ice-causan-dolor-intenso/2354577) — ICE Electric Discharge Gloves Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study - [libero.pe](https://libero.pe/estados-unidos/2026/10/06/alerta-maxima-inmigrantes-legales-indocumentados-en-estados-unidos-estudio-del-ejercito-revela-guantes-electricos-de-ice-causan-intenso-dolor-miedo-ee-uu-usa-lbeu-464502) — MAXIMUM ALERT, Legal and Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S.: Army Study Reveals ICE's ELECTRIC GUANTEE Causes INTENSE DOOR AND FEAR - [El Universal](https://eluniversal.com.mx/mundo/guantes-electricos-comprados-por-ice-causan-dolor-intenso-revela-estudio-del-ejercito-autoridades-lo-sabian-y-aun-asi-los-compraron) — Electric Gloves Purchased by ICE Cause Intense Pain, Reveals Army Study; Authorities Knew and Still Bought Them - [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/news/world/united-states/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_9bd8ce3c-80e8-5216-bbef-c59aa62dbf8d.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [The Record](https://therecord.com/news/world/united-states/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_1cdacd85-4b51-5a30-b2da-85d8731d9de2.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [St Catharines Standard](https://stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/world/united-states/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_0defa94a-5a2a-579e-b0fe-8a1b10e68435.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [NiagaraFallsReview.ca](https://niagarafallsreview.ca/news/world/united-states/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_a72a8dba-f7f6-5fd5-a9f2-8d06379022bc.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Proceso](https://proceso.com.mx/internacional/2026/10/6/estudio-del-ejercito-hallo-que-guantes-electricos-comprados-por-ice-causan-intenso-dolor-y-miedo-381312.html) — Army Study Found that Electric Gloves Purchased by ICE Cause Intense Pain and Fear - [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/10/06/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer](https://messenger-inquirer.com/ap/ap_national_news/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear/article_979cf077-e870-58da-8cdf-b7e4c0501473.html) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear - [Durango Herald](https://durangoherald.com/articles/associated-press/army-study-found-shock-gloves-purchased-by-ice-cause-pain-compliance-and-fear) — Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear ## Questions **What did the Army study find about the shock gloves?** The study, conducted at Fort Leavenworth in October 2024, recorded that volunteers who were fitted with the electric shock gloves experienced intense pain, stopped resisting within seconds and reported fear of additional shocks, indicating the devices force immediate compliance. **How much did ICE spend on the gloves and how many were ordered?** ICE signed a contract in August for $16.7 million to purchase 6,000 pairs of the shock gloves, according to records obtained by American Oversight and reported by multiple outlets. **Has ICE responded to questions about the study or the gloves?** ICE has not answered an Associated Press request for comment on the Army study or on how the gloves will be deployed, and it also has not replied to a letter from sixteen senators seeking details about the purchase and safety measures. **What action did senators take regarding the glove purchase?** Sixteen Democratic senators, led by Catherine Cortez Masto, sent a letter on 27 August asking ICE to cancel the purchase or explain how the gloves will be used and what safeguards are in place; the agency has not provided a response. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/army-study-finds-icepurchased-shock-gloves-cause-intense-pain-and-immediate-comp. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Army study finds ICE‑purchased shock gloves cause intense pain and immediate compliance", https://mediabias.news/politics/army-study-finds-icepurchased-shock-gloves-cause-intense-pain-and-immediate-comp