Old Orchard Beach Reserve Officer Detained by ICE Amidst Immigration and Firearm Allegations
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An Old Orchard Beach reserve police officer, identified as Jon Luke Evans, a national of Jamaica, is currently in the custody of Immigration and customs Enforcement (ICE). Evans is being detained at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility in Massachusetts. This marks the second instance of a law enforcement officer in Maine being detained by ICE, with allegations centering on an expired visa and an attempt to purchase a firearm.
ICE Accusations Against Department and Officer
Federal immigration authorities have accused the Old Orchard Beach Police Department of knowingly employing an individual who was allegedly undocumented.Patricia Hyde, ICE Boston Director, stated, “Jon Luke Evans not only broke U.S. immigration law, but he also illegally attempted to purchase a firearm. The fact that a police department would hire an illegal alien and unlawfully issue him a firearm while on duty would be comical if it weren’t so tragic.”
Old orchard Beach Police Chief Elise Chard expressed disappointment with the accusations of recklessness leveled against her department. “To be accused of being reckless,I’m highly disappointed that someone would think that the police department,the Town of Old Orchard,would do that,” Chard commented.
Department’s Defense and Verification Process
Chief Chard asserted that the town followed proper procedures for verification. She explained that the federal government, through the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program, had cleared Evans for employment.”We did what we were supposed to do,” Chard stated. “And I believe that the documents he gave us, we did the verification as we would have with anybody else.”
Did You know? The E-Verify program is an internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Community Reaction and Officer’s Character
Brent Kinney,who hired Evans for security work at OOB Pier two years prior,spoke highly of the reserve officer. Kinney described Evans as kind, polite, respectful, and one of the hardest working individuals he has ever encountered. “It’s shedding bad light upon her, and him. And it’s making him look out to be a criminal,” kinney said, adding that he believes this situation should not have happened to Evans.
Chard also noted that Evans was performing his duties as a reserve officer effectively and that all reserve officers are issued firearms while on duty. She expressed hope for a favorable court outcome that would allow Evans to resume his life.
Pro Tip: Understanding the nuances of employment verification processes is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
Ongoing Examination and Lack of Specifics
ICE has not yet disclosed the specific charges Evans is facing. Attempts to obtain further data regarding the charges and whether Evans has legal representation have not yielded a response from ICE.
Background on Reserve Officers and immigration
Reserve police officers often serve as part-time or auxiliary members of law enforcement agencies, providing valuable support. Their employment, like that of any officer, is subject to rigorous background checks and adherence to legal employment requirements. Immigration laws in the United States dictate the eligibility of non-citizens to work and hold positions of authority. The E-Verify system, managed by the department of Homeland Security, is a key tool used by employers to confirm an individual’s authorization to work in the U.S. cases involving law enforcement officers and immigration status can raise complex legal and public trust issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Old Orchard Beach Officer’s Detention
Q: Why was the old Orchard Beach reserve police officer detained by ICE?
A: The Old Orchard Beach reserve police officer,Jon Luke Evans,is reportedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to allegations of an expired visa and an attempted firearm purchase.
Q: What are the specific accusations against the Old Orchard Beach Police Department?
A: ICE Boston Director Patricia Hyde accused the Old Orchard Beach Police Department of knowingly employing an undocumented worker from Jamaica and unlawfully issuing him a firearm while on duty.
Q: How did the Old orchard Beach Police Department verify Jon Luke Evans’ employment eligibility?
A: Old Orchard Beach Police Chief Elise Chard stated that the department verified Evans through the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program, believing the documents provided were legitimate.
Q: What was Jon Luke Evans’ role in Old Orchard Beach?
A: jon luke Evans served as a reserve Old Orchard Beach police officer and also worked as a security officer for OOB Pier, where he was described as kind, polite, and a hard worker.
Q: Has ICE released specific charges against Jon Luke Evans?
A: As of the latest reports, ICE had not specified the exact charges Jon Luke Evans faces, and his legal representation was unknown.
Q: What is the current status of the Old Orchard Beach reserve officer’s detention?
A: Jon Luke Evans is currently being held at the Plymouth County correctional Facility in Massachusetts.
