DHS purchased 6,650 pairs of electric shock gloves from Kentucky‑based Compliant Technologies for $16.7 million, about $2,400 per pair, including accessories, in August. The purchase has drawn criticism from members of Congress, who have sent letters seeking information on usage and urging cancellation, citing concerns about militarization and human rights. The Senate and House Homeland Security Committee letters were sent on August 27 and August 31, respectively. A coalition of 49 Democratic lawmakers, led by Rep. Delia Ramirez, requested Secretary Markwayne Mullin to terminate the contract, describing the gloves as part of an escalating militarization of DHS and noting reports of police using the devices to inflict pain while avoiding liability. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Center for Victims of Torture, have said the technology is unregulated and has been used for torture, recommending its destruction. Local police departments in Omaha and Sacramento have faced community backlash after officers used the gloves on students and detainees; Omaha halted use in schools, and California passed legislation banning wearable electroshock devices for law enforcement through 2030, pending a safety study. The Sacramento Sheriff’s Department, the only California agency known to have bought the gloves, opposes the ban, as do many law enforcement groups, who argue the equipment is necessary for officer safety. A DHS spokesperson said the agency will not comply with any unconstitutional bans, asserting the Supremacy Clause prevents state restrictions on federal law enforcement equipment. The ban in California is expected to face legal challenges from the federal government, leaving the future of the contract unresolved.