Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Key Takeaways
- An Old Orchard Beach reserve police officer, Jon Luke Evans, was arrested by ICE for overstaying his visa and attempting to purchase a firearm.
- The local police department claims Evans was authorized to work legally through the DHS E-Verify program until 2030.
- The incident highlights potential gaps between federal immigration enforcement and local law enforcement vetting processes.
- The department emphasizes reserve officers do not carry firearms at home and are restricted from duty firearm access.
- The case has raised community concerns about immigration policies, policing authority, and transparency between agencies.
Table of Contents
Local Police Department’s Response
Community Reaction and Next Steps
What Happened?
Jon Luke Evans, originally from Jamaica and working as a seasonal reserve police officer in Old Orchard Beach, was arrested on July 25, 2025, by ICE agents after he allegedly overstayed his visa and unlawfully attempted to purchase a firearm[0][1][2].
ICE’s Position
ICE asserts Evans entered the U.S. legally in September 2023 but did not leave by October 1, overstaying his visa. They claim his attempt to buy a firearm during his employment as a police officer violated federal law and criticized the local police for employing someone they believe was in the country illegally and carrying out law enforcement duties unlawfully[3].
Local Police Department’s Response
The Old Orchard Beach Police Department disputes ICE’s account. Police Chief Elise Chard confirmed that DHS authorized Evans to work legally in May 2025 via the E-Verify program, which validated his employment eligibility until 2030[0][1].
Chief Chard emphasized that reserve officers typically do not carry department-issued firearms home and are restricted from purchasing or carrying firearms for duty, suggesting a possible misunderstanding about Evans’ firearm access[2]. The department also criticized ICE for making a public statement without prior notification to local officials[2].
Community Reaction and Next Steps
Residents of Old Orchard Beach expressed surprise and concern about the arrest, highlighting the tension between immigration enforcement and local hiring practices[4]. The police department announced an internal investigation to review Evans’ employment status and compliance with laws[2].
Why It Matters
The incident underscores complex issues about immigration enforcement intersecting with local law enforcement staffing and federal vetting processes:
- Federal vs. Local Checks: The discrepancy between DHS’s E-Verify clearance and ICE’s arrest suggests potential gaps or errors in immigration vetting systems for public employees.
- Firearm Regulations: Highlights the importance of clear firearm policies, especially for reserve officers with limited policing authority.
- Public Trust and Transparency: Lack of coordination between ICE and local police raises concerns about communication and procedural fairness.
As Old Orchard Beach police review the situation, this case exemplifies broader challenges faced by municipalities balancing immigration policy, law enforcement standards, and community trust.
FAQ
Did the police department confirm Evans was authorized to work?
Yes, Police Chief Elise Chard stated that Evans was authorized to work legally in the U.S. as of May 2025 through DHS’s E-Verify program, which confirmed his employment eligibility until 2030[0].
What did ICE allege about Evans’ legal status?
ICE claims Evans overstayed his visa entered the U.S. legally in September 2023 but did not leave by October 1, and his attempt to purchase a firearm was unlawful[4].
What is the community’s reaction?
Residents expressed surprise and concern, reflecting worries about immigration enforcement, community safety, and trust in local authorities[4].