The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) is preparing to equip its personnel with wearable devices capable of delivering electric shocks as part of a $20 million procurement program. The federal agency — the New York Times reports — plans to distribute thousands of these pain-inducing devices by March, following a recent Department of Homeland Security notice that outlines acquisition through a private negotiation.

The Department of Homeland Security — the New York Times reports — has described the gloves as a “de-escalation device,” but critics have warned that supplying immigration agents with another tool could actually increase the use of force. The plans have also worried some former ICE officials, who question using the gloves against people accused of immigration violations, offenses that are largely civil in nature.