A Jamaican national was arrested last week by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers after allegedly attempting to purchase a firearm while serving as a reserve police officer in Biddeford, Maine. The arrest has triggered investigations into how an illegal immigrant was able to obtain a position with a local law enforcement agency.
Jon Luke Evans was taken into custody after his attempt to buy a firearm raised questions about his immigration status. Authorities say Evans entered the US through the Maine international airport in September 2023 on a visa that expired the following month. He has remained in the country unlawfully since.
ICE officials began investigating after learning that Evans claimed he was trying to purchase the firearm for duties tied to his role with the Old Orchard Beach Police Department. The agency is now reviewing how Evans was hired as a reserve officer and whether he was issued a department weapon.
“This case raises serious concerns,” explained Patricia Hyde, acting field office director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston. “We will continue working to ensure that individuals who violate immigration laws and pose potential threats to public safety are held accountable.”
According to Fox News, the Old Orchard Beach Police Department said Evans was hired in May as a seasonal reserve officer after passing a background check, physical exam, medical screening, and law enforcement training. The department stated that it submitted Evans’ employment documents to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which confirmed his eligibility to work.
“Our department and our community relied on the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program to ensure we were meeting our obligations,” said Police Chief Elise Chard. “We are distressed and deeply concerned about this apparent error on the part of the federal government.”
Under Maine law, non-citizens with valid work authorization can serve in law enforcement roles. Reserve officers in Old Orchard Beach are considered seasonal employees who focus on community patrols. They are not permitted to carry personal firearms or take home department-issued weapons.
The department has launched an internal investigation into its hiring protocols, and Evans’ probationary status is currently under review.
“We take our legal responsibilities very seriously,” Chief Chard added. “We intend to investigate this matter thoroughly and determine what additional steps may be necessary moving forward.”
