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See the full story · 1 sourcesPOLITICS New York officials slam ICE shock device proposal, pledges legal aid for immigrant children By Darla Miles Wednesday, August 12, 2026 9:05PM Darla Miles reports on the backlash from New York officials on the ICE's proposal for the G.L.O.V.E. devices. NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and state Attorney General Letitia James criticized a federal plan to equip Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with new shock-emitting devices , while announcing state funding for legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children.
The Department of Homeland Security announced late Monday that it plans to spend between $10 million and $20 million to purchase the G.L.O.V.E., or Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, for federal agents. The device performs similarly to a taser, delivering what its manufacturer describes as a debilitating shock and promoting it as a compliance tool.
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said: "ICE is constantly assessing the needs of our officers in the field to ensure they have the tools and equipment necessary to safely arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens from our country."
Speaking at an afternoon news conference with Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other advocates, Hochul questioned the use of the devices.
"On its face, it seems like a violation of civil rights to cause that kind of physical harm to an individual, regardless of what the offense may be," Hochul said.
James said her office is reviewing the federal proposal.
"We're reviewing the RFP at this point in time, but it appears to be arbitrary and capricious at this point in time. It appears to be in violation of a number of laws, including our constitution," James said.
The officials gathered to announce millions of dollars in support for immigrant children. Hochul said the state will provide $7.25 million for legal services.
"I'm announcing $7.25 million to cover the legal services for roughly 1,400 unaccompanied minors across the state of New York," Hochul said.
Mamdani criticized the federal government's handling of legal aid funding for immigrant children.
"The federal government's refusal to renew its contract with the Acacia Center for Justice and nearly 100 more legal services providers after withholding more than $65 million in payment as a de facto consequence of this decision, more than 25,000 unaccompanied immigrant children have had their legal representation abruptly ended, leaving them to navigate a broken immigration system alone," Mamdani said.
Hochul has previously rolled out policies aimed at limiting ICE enforcement activities in New York. Last week, a judge temporarily blocked a ban on face masks for ICE agents.
Another recently signed law prohibits local police departments from participating in immigration enforcement. The law remains in effect and is scheduled to take effect on Aug. 25.
The debate over immigration enforcement policies comes as state officials continue to challenge recent federal enforcement actions while expanding legal support for immigrant children in New York.
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