A Jamaican national working as a reserve police officer in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, was arrested after attempting to purchase a firearm while residing illegally in the United States.

According to Fox News, Jon Luke Evans was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on July 25 in Biddeford, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

Evans entered the United States legally through Miami International Airport in September 2023 with a visa that expired on October 1, 2023, but failed to depart as required. He remained in the country unlawfully for nearly 10 months while securing employment with the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, where he claimed he needed the firearm for his duties.

Federal Verification System Raises Questions

The Old Orchard Beach Police Department conducted what they believed was a thorough background check, including physical and medical screenings, before hiring Evans in May. The department utilized the federal E-Verify system, which reportedly confirmed Evans' work eligibility until March 2030.

Chief Elise Chard expressed concern about the apparent federal oversight, stating that the department relied on the Department of Homeland Security's verification system. The police department has launched an internal investigation to evaluate their hiring protocols and ensure compliance with all regulations.

Maine's law enforcement policies allow non-citizens with valid work permits to serve as officers, with Old Orchard Beach reserve officers serving in seasonal positions. These officers do not take department weapons home and are prohibited from carrying personal firearms while on duty.

Similar Case Highlights Growing Concern

This incident follows a comparable arrest in Falmouth, Maine, just months earlier. Gratien Milandou Wamba, a 32-year-old Congolese national, was detained while working as a corrections officer.

ICE spokesperson James Covington confirmed Wamba's arrest was also connected to an unlawful firearm purchase attempt. The case has sparked discussions about the verification processes for sensitive public safety positions.

Patricia H. Hyde, acting field office director for ERO Boston, emphasized the serious nature of these violations. The agency has pledged to maintain strict enforcement across New England.

Immigration Enforcement Takes Center Stage

ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston is intensifying its efforts to identify and apprehend individuals violating immigration laws. The agency is particularly focused on those in public safety positions.

The department's investigation has revealed that Evans attempted to use his position as a reserve officer to facilitate the firearm purchase. This has prompted increased scrutiny of hiring practices in law enforcement agencies.

The case has drawn attention to potential gaps in the federal verification system and raised questions about the effectiveness of current screening procedures. Local and federal authorities are now reviewing their protocols to prevent similar incidents.

Next Steps in Legal Proceedings

Evans currently faces a review of his probationary status with the Old Orchard Beach Police Department. The department has suspended his duties pending the outcome of their internal investigation.

Federal authorities are coordinating efforts to address the apparent discrepancy between Evans' actual immigration status and the information provided through the E-Verify system. This case may lead to broader reforms in the verification process for law enforcement hiring.

ICE officials have indicated that they will continue to prioritize cases involving unauthorized immigrants in sensitive positions, particularly those attempting to acquire firearms illegally. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine how Evans managed to secure his position despite his expired visa status.