In a surprising turn of events, a recruit of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) from Cameroon was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This individual, who was armed despite facing an active deportation order, was just days away from completing his police academy training.

ICE announced on Tuesday that 46-year-old Larry Temah was taken into custody on January 28 and remains detained under their supervision.

ICE highlighted that the NOPD had not only recruited Temah but had also provided him with a firearm, a clear violation of federal regulations that prohibit undocumented immigrants from carrying weapons.

Temah initially entered the United States legally in 2015 on a visitor visa. The following year, he received conditional residency after marrying a U.S. citizen, according to ICE’s statement.

Authorities from ICE confirmed the arrest of Larry Temah, a recruit with the NOPD. (Source: Department of Homeland Security)

In 2022, however, his quest for permanent residency hit a roadblock when his application was rejected due to alleged fraudulent activities.

Temah was ordered to appear in immigration court three times but failed to appear, resulting in an immigration judge ordering him removed from the country in absentia, ICE said.

ICE arrested a New Orleans police recruit from Cameroon who was issued a firearm despite an active deportation order, prompting a dispute with city officials. (Octavio Jones/Reuters)

ICE also said Temah did not have valid work authorization and remains in custody pending removal proceedings.

“This illegal alien from Cameroon, Larry Temah, is not only breaking the law with every step he takes in this country illegally, but the New Orleans Police Department hired him and issued him a firearm — what kind of law enforcement department gives criminal illegal aliens guns and badges?” Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. “It’s a felony for illegal aliens to possess a firearm.”

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin blasted NOPD for issuing a firearm to an illegal immigrant, saying it violates federal law. (Charly Triballeau/ AFP via Getty Images)

McLaughlin said ICE is restoring law and order under President Trump and Secretary Noem and accused sanctuary cities such as New Orleans of protecting illegal aliens at the expense of American citizens.

A spokesperson for the New Orleans Police Department disputed ICE’s claims, calling them misleading.

“The New Orleans Police Department verified Mr. Temah’s employment eligibility through ICE’s E-Verify system prior to hiring and was never notified of any ICE detainer,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “New Orleans is not a sanctuary city, and NOPD does not control jail operations or detainer decisions, which fall under the Sheriff’s Office.”

“Any claim that NOPD knowingly violated the law is false,” the spokesperson added.