The situation in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, raises significant concerns about law enforcement hiring practices amid immigration law violations. Jon Luke Evans, a Jamaican national employed as a police officer, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while trying to buy a firearm. This incident came to light on July 25, 2025, revealing a troubling oversight by the local police department.
Evans, who entered the U.S. legally in September 2023, overstayed his visa and had a history of immigration violations. His attempt to obtain a firearm for his police duties prompted scrutiny, and ICE quickly intervened. Patricia H. Hyde, the acting Field Office Director for ERO Boston, condemned the situation. She stated, “Jon Luke Evans not only broke U.S. immigration law, but he also illegally attempted to purchase a firearm. Shockingly, Evans was employed as a local law enforcement officer.” Hyde’s comments underscore deep concerns regarding public safety and adherence to the law within law enforcement agencies.
Old Orchard Beach Police Chief Elise Chard defended her department’s actions, insisting that federal agents had categorized Evans as eligible to work in the U.S. She emphasized, “The town reiterates its ongoing commitment to meeting all state and federal laws regarding employment.” However, her assurances may ring hollow given Evans’s subsequent actions. She noted, “Any insinuation that the town and department were derelict in our efforts to verify Mr. Evans’ eligibility to work for the town is false.” This defensive stance raises questions about the verification processes in place for hiring police officers.
Hyde promised vigilance from ICE, aiming to prevent similar instances in the future. “ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien threats from our New England communities,” she stated. The case of Jon Luke Evans highlights a painful irony: a police officer, tasked with enforcing the law, was himself a violator, reflecting cracks in the hiring protocols of law enforcement agencies.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for stricter adherence to immigration laws in hiring practices within law enforcement to maintain public trust and safety.
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