ICE adoption raises questions about school use
Electric-shock gloves are soon to be added to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) attire; consequently, the Omaha Police Department (OPD) is removing their use in schools due to questions of morality.
According to AP News, “At last week’s school board meeting, about 30 people spoke out against police using the gloves. Residents and board members alike said they were appalled at the practice. No one spoke in favor of it.”
These electric-shock gloves, more formally known as the G.L.O.V.E. or Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, have been used twice during the 2025-2026 school year by the OPD. Bellevue police have also used them twice in schools over the last three and a half years.
According to AP News, in reference to Bellevue schools, “The devices have been an extremely effective tool that sometimes make students cooperate on sight even without shocking a student.”
The technology is used by delivering an electric shock directly to the skin at up to 380 volts; a warning to the victim is supposed to be given before use. Officers are prohibited from using the gloves on the elderly, small children or pregnant women, and are told to avoid the head, neck, chest and groin.
“I think that’s kind of a crazy punishment. I feel it’s kind of cruel. I definitely don’t think they should be allowed on campus, or in middle or high schools,” College of Arts and Sciences freshman Maura Harrington said.
OPD made a request to purchase 40 pairs of gloves for $66,000 in May of 2025, specifically for their use in schools. 29 of the 34 school resource officers have been trained to use the gloves and work in Omaha public middle and high schools.
“I definitely don’t think that we should be using them in middle school or high school. They are way too young and might have no idea what’s going on. It’s also just bad for society overall,” College of Nursing freshman Peyton Kline said.
After ICE’s plan to use the G.L.O.V.E. was revealed, Omaha Superintendent Matthew Ray requested to stop use of the G.L.O.V.E. in schools, and Omaha residents agreed in the school board meeting on Aug. 17. However, the Bellevue Police Department and the schools they patrol will still use this technology.
The Guardian reported that a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said ICE is “constantly assessing the needs of our officers in the field” to ensure they have the necessary tools and equipment.
According to an Aug. 24 statement from the Department of Homeland Security, ICE has been awarded a $16.7 million US contract from Compliant Technologies LLC, the company that makes the G.L.O.V.E’s.
“I feel like people who are targeted by ICE are already facing enough in Omaha, and I don’t think punishments like that should be added on top,” Harrington said.
ICE faced opposition for their decision to use the gloves. Some pointed out that ICE cannot be trusted to use them appropriately. However, they will move forward with the deal for 6,000 pairs of gloves along with supporting equipment and services over the next six months.