clamp, v. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

clamp v.

[the clamping on of handcuffs]

(US) to arrest, to seize.

1834		W.A. Caruthers Kentuckian in N.Y. I 66: The real officers came up and clamped me.
1925		D. Hammett Continental Op (1975) 164: I’m going to clamp him some day.
1953		‘John Eagle’ Hoodlums (2021) 58: Martin had the danger. The Treasury men always clamped at the pickup.
1962		H.S. Thompson letter 7 Feb. in Proud Highway (1997) 316: If they find a gun in your bag you are clamped.

put the clamps on (v.)

(US black) to bring to a halt.

1945

D. Burley N.Y. Amsterdam News 3 Mar. 14A: The old Paradise Grill on 117th St. was the high spot [...] before Valentine put the clamps on.

clamp up (v.)

(UK black) to pinion, to hold.

2020

G. Krauze Who They Was 6: We were still clamping up the woman tryna rip her shit off.