City Hall considers employing probation officers for ICE protest management as a last resort measure.

In a recent briefing, the administration of Mayor Eric Adams raised a controversial proposal regarding the deployment of probation officers during ongoing protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. These protests, which have seen significant unrest across the nation, may prompt probation officers to don riot gear and assist the police. This potential shift has sparked considerable backlash from union leaders, particularly from the United Probation Officers Association.

The proposal surfaced during a Zoom meeting that included key department figures, notably Probation Deputy Commissioner Tonya Cauley-Scott. According to Jake Oliver, a spokesperson for the probation officers’ union, the discussion outlined a plan in which probation officers would receive specialized training and equipment to manage protest situations, a role traditionally designated for police officers.

Union President Dalvanie Powell quickly condemned the plan, asserting that it represents a fundamental deviation from the intended responsibilities of probation officers. Powell, who has served in the agency for 38 years, expressed her concerns, noting that the officers are already facing significant challenges, including severe staff shortages and overwhelming caseloads. She highlighted that this additional responsibility would not only jeopardize the safety of probation officers but also undermine the principles of public safety and justice for which they stand.

Powell emphasized that the probation officers currently face a pay disparity compared to their police counterparts, which the city has not adequately addressed. The entry-level salary for probation officers is set at ,386, with a maximum of ,000 after 11 years, while police officers start at ,580, escalating to 6,532 within five years.

City Hall has attempted to clarify the matter, stating that while the discussion of involving probation officers occurred, it is deemed highly unlikely unless the New York Police Department finds itself unable to manage the protests independently. This sentiment was echoed by Kayla Mamelak, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams, who affirmed that the NYPD is expected to maintain control over the ongoing protests.

The backdrop to these discussions includes a heightened atmosphere of dissent against the Trump administration’s intensified measures to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. Protests have prominently emerged outside federal courthouses, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is actively pursuing immigrants attending routine check-ins.

As protests evolve, public officials continue to monitor the situation. Both Mayor Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tish assure that the need for National Guard intervention remains nonexistent, reinforcing confidence in the NYPD’s capability to handle related unrest and maintain public order during these challenging times.