Newsom bars ICE from using shock gloves, other ‘Orwellian’ tactics in California

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Tuesday signed into law a state ban on law enforcement use of electric shock gloves in the Democrat’s latest push back against the Trump administration’s “ Orwellian immigration tactics .”

The ban , which takes effect next year and lasts through 2030, applies to local, state and federal law enforcement officers operating in the state. It also directs the California Department of Justice to complete a safety study on shock devices.

In August, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sparked controversy after the agency awarded a nearly $17 million contract for 6,000 pairs of the gloves. The agency is planning to spend up to $20 million on Generated Low Outage Voltage Emitter technology that could be worn and used by officers in the field as they conduct immigration operations.

The governor also signed legislation into law on Tuesday aimed at increasing oversight at immigration detention facilities, expanding transparency around federal enforcement operations and offering more resources for the individuals and families impacted by these operations.

One bill prevents the hiring of former federal immigration agents who have committed serious misconduct on the job by state agencies, while another adds new health, safety and oversight requirements for civil detention facilities operating in the state.

Additionally, another measure requires law enforcement using a rental vehicle during a detention, arrest or for transportation to identify the agency with a temporary decal on the vehicle.

Newsom accused President Trump of placing his “political interests” ahead of the “health, safety and livelihood of American families” in a statement announcing this new legislative package.

“California is taking action to strengthen transparency, accountability, and oversight around immigration enforcement in our state,” the governor said.

“This is about stepping up where the federal government has failed our communities,” the governor continued. “We will continue protecting our people, upholding the rule of law, and making clear that if the federal government operates in California we will hold them accountable.”

In a statement to The Hill, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said ICE officers are “highly trained in de-escalation tactics” and receive regular use of force training.

“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,” the spokesperson said. “Every decision is made with careful consideration and appropriately reviewed to ensure that any technology ICE utilizes is consistent with all applicable law enforcement policies and standards.”