An ICE arrest of a police officer exposes a shocking breakdown in federal-local coordination, threatening public trust and highlighting systemic flaws.

Story Snapshot

• ICE arrests Maine police officer, sparking federal-local dispute.
• DHS’s E-Verify system cleared officer for work authorization.
• Police department and ICE exchange blame over arrest.
• Incident underscores flaws in U.S. immigration verification systems.

Federal E-Verify System Under Scrutiny

On July 25, 2025, Jon-Luke Evans, a Jamaican national serving as a police officer in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Evans was accused of being unlawfully present in the U.S. and attempting to purchase a firearm. This arrest has intensified the spotlight on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) E-Verify system, which had previously cleared Evans for employment, raising questions about the system’s reliability and the federal-local coordination.

This incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in employing non-citizens. The Old Orchard Beach Police Department asserts that DHS approved Evans for work authorization until 2030. However, ICE’s action, triggered by an ATF alert during Evans’ firearm purchase attempt, points to a discrepancy in federal records. This case underscores the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of the E-Verify system, particularly in high-stakes roles like law enforcement.

Watch: Maine police officer from Jamaica arrested by ICE; police claim error by DHS

Dispute Between Local and Federal Agencies

The arrest has sparked a public dispute between the Old Orchard Beach Police Department and ICE, with both entities blaming each other for the oversight. Police Chief Elise Chard has defended the department’s hiring process, citing E-Verify documentation as evidence of compliance with federal law. Meanwhile, ICE maintains that Evans overstayed his visa and was employed unlawfully.

This conflict reveals deeper issues in interagency communication and trust, which are crucial for effective immigration law enforcement. The police department is now reviewing its hiring protocols and seeking clarification from DHS to prevent future discrepancies.

Broader Implications for Immigration Enforcement

The case has significant implications for immigration policy and law enforcement practices nationwide. In the short term, it disrupts the operations of the Old Orchard Beach police and raises concerns about public safety and trust. Long-term, this could lead to policy reforms, increased scrutiny of non-citizen employment, and demands for improvements in federal verification systems.

Experts suggest that clearer interagency protocols and better data integration are necessary to prevent such incidents. As debates over immigration enforcement continue, this case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in balancing national security with fair employment practices.

Sources:

ICE arrests Maine police officer, but his department claims DHS cleared him to work
ICE arrests illegal alien serving as local police officer after attempting to unlawfully purchase a firearm