A Jamaican national employed as a reserve police officer in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, has been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after an unauthorized firearm purchase attempt exposed his illegal immigration status.
According to Breitbart, Jon Luke Evans was apprehended on July 25 in Biddeford, Maine, following an alert from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The alert was triggered when Evans attempted to purchase a firearm for his police duties.
Evans entered the United States legally on September 24, 2023, but failed to depart by October 1, 2023, as required by his visa terms. His continued stay and employment as a law enforcement officer have raised significant concerns about the local police department's hiring practices.
Law Enforcement Employment Sparks Federal Investigation
The Old Orchard Beach Police Department insists they followed proper procedures in hiring Evans. Department officials maintain that Evans had proper work authorization and that no federal laws were violated during his employment.
ICE spokesperson Patricia Hyde expressed disbelief at the situation, stating, "Jon Luke Evans not only broke U.S. immigration law, but he also illegally attempted to purchase a firearm. Shockingly, Evans was employed as a local law enforcement officer."
Hyde further emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, "The fact that a police department would hire an illegal alien and unlawfully issue him a firearm while on duty would be comical if it weren't so tragic."
Police Department Faces Serious Allegations
ICE officials directly challenge the police department's claims about Evans' work authorization. The conflicting statements have created tension between local and federal authorities.
Hyde criticized the department's actions, stating, "We have a police department that was knowingly breaking the very law they are charged with enforcing in order to employ an illegal alien."
The controversy has prompted discussions about the verification processes used by law enforcement agencies when hiring officers, particularly regarding immigration status and work authorization.
Immigration Status Verification Under Scrutiny
The ATF alert system proved instrumental in identifying Evans' unauthorized status. The automated notification process demonstrates the importance of inter-agency cooperation in immigration enforcement.
The case highlights potential gaps in the employment verification system, particularly in sensitive positions like law enforcement. Evans' ability to secure employment despite his expired visa raises questions about current background check procedures.
Federal authorities are now investigating how Evans managed to obtain and maintain his position despite his immigration status. This incident may lead to enhanced screening protocols for law enforcement hiring.
ICE Prioritizes Public Safety Enforcement
ICE's Boston office has committed to continuing their mission of removing potential threats from New England communities. Hyde emphasized that protecting public safety remains their primary focus.
The agency plans to use this case as an example of the importance of proper immigration enforcement, particularly in sensitive employment sectors. ICE officials stress that unauthorized individuals in law enforcement positions pose unique risks.
Federal authorities are preparing deportation proceedings while investigating possible systemic issues in local law enforcement hiring practices. The case serves as a reminder of ICE's ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws and maintain public safety.
