Officer Arrested by ICE in Maine Cleared to Continue Work

Background of the Incident

A recent incident involving a reserve officer in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, has sparked a legal and public debate over immigration and law enforcement practices. The officer, Jon Luke Evans, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being accused of illegally entering the United States and attempting to purchase a firearm. However, the local police department maintains that they followed all necessary procedures to ensure his legal eligibility to work.

Details of the Arrest

According to ICE, Evans, a Jamaican citizen, entered the U.S. on a visa on September 24, 2023, and was supposed to leave the country on October 1, 2023. He did not board his flight, leading to an overstaying of his visa. ICE also claims that Evans attempted to buy a firearm, which triggered an alert with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This led to his arrest.

The police department has denied any wrongdoing, stating that they conducted a thorough hiring process for Evans. They confirmed that he completed the I-9 federal immigration and work authorization form, which is standard for verifying an individual’s legal ability to work in the U.S.

Verification Process

Police Chief Elise Chard emphasized that the department submitted Evans’ information to the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify Program. This system, operated in partnership with the Social Security Administration, allows employers to confirm if a prospective employee is authorized to work in the U.S. According to Chard, the Department of Homeland Security verified Evans’ status and approved his employment on May 12, 2025.

“The Department of Homeland Security then verified that Evans was authorized to work in the U.S.,” Chard said. “The form was submitted and approved by DHS on May 12, 2025.”

Chard further stated that Evans would not have been allowed to begin his duties as a reserve officer until this verification was complete. She added that the department takes its legal responsibilities very seriously and relied on the E-Verify program to ensure compliance with the law.

Legal and Community Implications

Maine is one of several states that allow noncitizens to work in law enforcement, though requirements vary. Some states require green-card holders, while others, like Maine, only require legal authorization to work in the U.S. This case highlights the complexities of immigration policy and its intersection with law enforcement.

ICE criticized the police department, suggesting that they knowingly hired an undocumented worker. Acting field office director in Boston, Patricia Hyde, expressed concern about the situation, calling it “comical if it weren’t so tragic.” She claimed that the department was breaking the very laws they are tasked with enforcing.

Chard responded by stating that the department follows all applicable laws and relies on the E-Verify program to ensure compliance. She noted that the department is distressed by the apparent error and plans to investigate further to determine what steps should be taken moving forward.

Role of Reserve Officers

Reserve officers in Old Orchard Beach are part-time, seasonal employees who must meet the same standards as full-time officers. They undergo background checks, physical agility tests, and medical evaluations. Chard explained that reserve officers receive firearms training and are issued a firearm, but they must return the weapon at the end of each shift.

She also mentioned that reserve officers have a probationary period and that the department will conduct an internal review of the circumstances surrounding Evans’ arrest. His probation status is currently under review.

Broader Context

Maine has a significant immigrant workforce, with approximately 34,000 immigrants making up 4.6% of the state’s labor force, according to the American Immigration Council. The council also estimates that there are around 5,800 unauthorized immigrants of working age in the state.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by communities and law enforcement agencies in navigating complex immigration policies while maintaining public safety and legal compliance.