A Jamaican national employed as a reserve police officer in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following allegations that he overstayed his visa and attempted to purchase a firearm for use in his law enforcement role.
The man, identified as John Luke Evans, entered the United States on a temporary visa in September 2023, with a required departure date of October 1, 2023. According to ICE, Evans remained in the U.S. unlawfully past his authorized stay.
Evans, who served as a seasonal reserve officer, drew the attention of federal authorities after attempting to buy a gun—claiming it was necessary for his duties as a law enforcement officer.
That raised suspicion, as law enforcement agencies typically issue firearms directly, rather than relying on officers to acquire them independently.
The incident prompted an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and ICE. He was taken into custody last week.
Legal Questions and Immigration Compliance in Law Enforcement
Immigration attorney LaToya McBean Pompy, Esq., founder of McBean Immigration Law, analyzed the case in a recent video posted on Instagram (@mcbeanimmigrationlaw), offering three potential explanations for how Evans was able to obtain employment with the police department:
1. He may have had a pending green card application, which typically comes with a valid work permit.
2. His immigration status may have been valid at the time of hiring in May 2025 but later expired or was denied.
3. He may have been working under another person’s identity, possibly tied to an H-2B seasonal work visa.
The Old Orchard Beach Police Department stated that it had submitted Evans’ information through the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system, and received confirmation on May 12, 2025, that he was authorized to work in the U.S.
In a public statement, the department explained that reserve officers undergo the same background checks and physical evaluations as full-time officers, and noted that Maine is one of a dozen states that permit non-citizens to serve in law enforcement roles, provided they have valid work authorization.
“We intend to investigate this matter to determine what other steps we should take moving forward to ensure our continued compliance with all applicable laws,” the department said.
McBean Pompy cautioned that even individuals with pending immigration cases or work permits can still be placed in removal proceedings if found in violation of other immigration or federal laws.
“The government is making it crystal clear that just because a person is authorized to work, it doesn’t mean they’re not subject to ICE detention or removal,” she explained. “Especially when that person attempts to purchase a firearm and claims they need it for police work—it raises red flags.”
Implications for Immigration and Law Enforcement Policy
The case has become a flashpoint in the debate over immigration enforcement, employment verification, and the limits of local authority when hiring non-citizens for public safety roles.
Legal experts anticipate that Evans may face removal proceedings in immigration court and potentially criminal charges depending on the outcome of the ATF investigation into the attempted gun purchase.
This incident also highlights the limitations of the E-Verify system, which is designed to check employment eligibility, but may not always reflect the full scope of a person’s immigration status or the expiration of that status after initial approval.
