ICE Launches Aggressive Recruitment Drive for NYPD Officers Amid Rising Deportation Operations

By Jim Mishler | Friday, 07 November 2025 12:06 PM EST

Federal immigration authorities are actively recruiting New York City police officers through social media campaigns that portray U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a more favorable employer. One ICE ad states, “Join an agency that respects you, your family and your commitment to serving in law enforcement,” while linking to a recruitment page warning of an “invasion by criminals and predators” and offering signing bonuses up to $50,000.

The Gothamist reported the initiative comes as the NYPD faces significant vacancies and declining morale amid expanded deportation operations under the Trump administration. ICE and NYPD spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment. The recruitment incentives include up to $60,000 in student loan repayment, a 25% premium pay incentive, and no college degree requirement. However, ICE salaries generally lag behind those of NYPD officers, who often earn over $200,000 annually due to overtime.

Jillian Snider, a former NYPD officer and John Jay College instructor, called the $50,000 bonus “huge” and nearly unprecedented in law enforcement. She noted that some officers may be drawn less by financial incentives than by frustration with City Hall’s policies under Mayor-elect democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. “They don’t want to work somewhere where everything they do is going to be scrutinized, criticized, or interpreted through a negative lens,” she said.

Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, linked the recruitment effort to the toll of long hours and political pressure on law enforcement. He stated, “Every law enforcement agency in the country knows our members are overworked, underpaid, and subjected to endless demonization.” Hendry urged city leaders to address these issues to retain talent, as the NYPD is currently short about 1,300 officers.

Commissioner Jessica Tisch recently described the department as “begging” for recruits, while outgoing Mayor Eric Adams pledged to add 5,000 officers by 2028 despite ongoing attrition. The Department of Homeland Security is expanding ICE operations following a $75 billion budget allocation, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reporting over 175,000 applications for ICE officer positions.

The first wave of 1,200 to 1,500 new agents has been deployed under the “Defend the Homeland” campaign, with more expected in the coming weeks. DHS officials stated the added resources will increase nationwide enforcement focused on identifying, arresting, and deporting criminal illegal aliens.