U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested a Jamaican man who allegedly tried to make an illegal firearms purchase while serving as a reserve police officer in Old Orchard Beach.
John Luke Evans was apprehended with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) after attempting to buy a firearm in Biddeford on July 25, which raised red flags regarding his immigration status.
Federal authorities reported that Evans legally entered the U.S. via Miami International Airport on September 24, 2023, under a visa that required him to leave by October 1, 2023. However, he did not depart as required and has been unlawfully residing in the country since then.
During the investigation, Evans reportedly stated that he intended to purchase a firearm for his duties at the Old Orchard Beach Police Station.
ICE officials are now probing how local police departments might have employed individuals without legal immigration status and allowed them access to firearms.
“This incident raises serious concerns,” said Patricia H. Hyde, the Boston ERO field office director. “We will continue to ensure accountability for those who violate immigration laws and could threaten public safety.”
The Old Orchard Beach Police Department informed sources that Evans was hired as a seasonal officer in May and underwent comprehensive background checks, medical screenings, and law enforcement training.
As part of the hiring process, the department submitted his employment documents to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the federal e-verify system, which confirmed his eligibility. Evans’ employment approval document stated that his status would expire in March 2030.
“We relied on the DHS electronic verification program to meet our responsibilities,” commented Police Chief Elise Chard. “This apparent error on the part of the federal government is deeply concerning.”
Maine is among about a dozen states that allow non-citizens with valid work permits to work in law enforcement. Reserve officers in Old Orchard Beach are seasonal employees responsible for community patrols and are not allowed to take department-issued firearms home or carry personal weapons while on duty.
Evans’ probation status is under review, and the department is conducting an internal investigation to evaluate their hiring protocols and ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
“We take our legal responsibilities seriously,” Chief Chard added. “We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine what further actions may be necessary.”
In a similar enforcement action earlier in April, ICE officers apprehended Gratien Mirandau Wamba, a 32-year-old Congolese national, who had also allegedly attempted to illegally acquire a firearm while employed as an immigration officer.
ICE emphasized their ongoing enforcement efforts in New England, collaborating with other federal agencies to track down individuals who violate immigration laws, especially those in positions that affect public safety.
