A Maine reserve police officer arrested by ICE for allegedly trying to buy a firearm illegally has agreed to leave the country, the agency said.
Jon Luke Evans, a reserve officer with the Old Orchard Beach Police Department and a Jamaican citizen, was taken into custody on July 25 with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), according to ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
Evans was taken into custody after a firearm purchase attempt raised concerns tied to his immigration status.
ICE officials are now investigating how he was hired by the local police agency and if he was given a department-issued weapon.
“This situation presents serious concerns,” stated Patricia H. Hyde, acting field office director for ERO Boston. “Our efforts will persist in ensuring those who breach immigration laws and may pose threats to public safety are held responsible.”
Maine State Police are responding to the shooting Tuesday in Yarmouth, which has left two injured. (Maine State Police)
Police Chief Elise Chard mentioned that federal officials informed them that Evans was authorized to work in the U.S. and that the necessary paperwork was submitted through the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program.
“The town affirms its unwavering commitment to adhering to all state and federal employment laws,” Chard stated. “We will continue to utilize the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form and the E-Verify database for verifying employment eligibility.”
