Illegal Alien Working as a Police Officer Arrested in Maine by ICE

Jul 29

By The Blog Source

BIDDEFORD, ME: An illegal alien was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities in Maine as he attempted to illegally acquire a handgun. Jon Luke Evans was taken into custody on July 25 in Biddeford by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston officers working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The arrest has raised questions about his hiring by local law enforcement and the shortcomings in federal vetting. Evans worked for the Old Orchard Beach Police Department as a reserve police officer at the time of his arrest.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said that agents from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Boston, with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), arrested 25-year-old Jon Luke Evans in Biddeford on July 25.

Evans entered the United States lawfully on September 24, 2023, through Miami International Airport, according to ICE, using a visa that required him to leave the country by October 1. Since he didn't, he has been in the United States illegally.

According to federal investigators, the effort to acquire a gun set off signals about his immigration status. Evans allegedly stated throughout the investigation that he needed the gun for his work with the Old Orchard Beach Police Department.

Patricia H. Hyde, ERO Boston's interim field office director, stated that this situation presents grave concerns. "We will persist in our efforts to hold responsible those who violate immigration laws and jeopardize public safety."

After completing a thorough background investigation, physical examination, and law enforcement training, Evans was employed as a seasonal reserve officer in May, according to Old Orchard Beach Police Chief Elise Chard. E-Verify, which was used to report his job to the Department of Homeland Security, produced a legitimate work authorization that ends in March 2030.

About a dozen states, including Maine, let non-citizens work as law enforcement officers as long as they have legitimate work permits. Old Orchard Beach reserve officers are seasonal staff members who help with neighborhood patrols; however, they are not allowed to bring their own firearms or take department-issued weapons home. An internal investigation has been started, and Evans' probationary employment is currently being reviewed.

Chief Chard continued, "We take our legal responsibilities very seriously." "We plan to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and ascertain what further actions may be required in the future."

This year, Evans' arrest is the second instance of this type in Maine. ICE arrested Gratien Milandou Wamba, a Congolese national working as a prison officer in Falmouth, in April. Additionally, Wamba ICE caught Wamba trying to buy a gun and discovered that he had violated U.S. immigration regulations.

According to ICE, it will keep working with other federal agencies to find and detain people who are illegally working in delicate public safety positions.

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