Authorities in Maine have reported that a police department hired illegal immigrants as officers. These individuals were arrested while allegedly trying to purchase firearms. In a surprising twist, the police chief has accused federal agencies of complicity, claiming they hired these illegal foreigners.
On July 25, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended John Luke Evans, who, interestingly, is a Jamaican citizen and was serving as a reserve officer for the Old Orchard Beach Police Department. Reports indicate that he had overstayed his visa, which became apparent when he attempted to buy a gun in his capacity as a police officer.
ICE stated that Evans had admitted to trying to acquire a firearm for his duties. This triggered a response from ATF agents who were working in conjunction with ICE for the arrest.
According to ICE, Evans entered the U.S. legally on September 24, 2023, but overstayed his visa, thereby violating the terms of his legal entry. He was supposed to leave the U.S. by October 1, 2023, but didn’t board his flight.
Patricia H. Hyde, the field office director of ICE’s enforcement and removal operations in Boston, remarked, “Evans not only broke U.S. immigration laws but also attempted to illegally purchase firearms, all while being employed as a local law enforcement officer.”
Hyde emphasized that it’s absurd and tragic for police departments to hire illegal foreigners, thereby undermining the very laws they are tasked with enforcing. “We have a situation where a police station is violating laws supposedly designed to prevent such occurrences,” she stated.
Evans was recruited by the Old Orchard Beach Police Department as a summer reserve in May. Chief Elisechard defended the hiring process, asserting that Evans submitted multiple forms of identification, including a photo ID, which were validated during the hiring process. She stated that his I-9 form was submitted to the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program and confirmed he could legally work in the U.S.
The police department highlighted that reserve officers are required to complete training and are issued firearms; however, they cannot take these firearms home. Chief Chard assures that the department will conduct a thorough internal review concerning this incident and expressed concern over the misinformation from federal authorities regarding Evans’ work eligibility.
Chard also stressed that they rely heavily on the DHS E-Verify program for ensuring lawful employment. “We were informed that Evans had the clearance to work in the U.S. until March 2030,” she concluded.
