Old Orchard Beach Reserve Officer Detained by ICE Amidst Immigration and Firearm Allegations

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.