In Maine, police uncover the arrest of ICE officer

• ICE officer John Luke Evans was arrested on July 25, 2025.
• The police confirm that Evans received a work permit in May 2025.
• ICE accuses the police of knowingly violating the law.

In the town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, the police chief has closed the investigation into the arrest of reserve officer John Luke Evans by the U.S. Immigration Service on July 25, 2025. Evans, a Jamaican citizen, received approval to work from federal agencies in May 2025, but ICE confirms that he remained in the country illegally.

Evans entered the U.S. via visa on February 24, 2023, but exceeded the visa's term, not returning to Jamaica until January 1, 2023. ICE accuses him of attempting to illegally possess firearms, which led to his arrest.

The police chief of Old Orchard Beach, Eliz Chard, stated that the department was verified through the E-Verify program, which confirmed Evans's legal work status. She noted that the department was not officially notified about Evans's arrest and learned about it from the news.

ICE asserts that the police are aware of the individual who is illegally residing in the U.S. However, Chard insists that the department complies with all legal requirements and conducts internal investigations for clarifying arrests.

In the state of Maine, it is allowed to work in law enforcement agencies for non-residents, who must have corresponding permits; however, the situation with Evans has raised concerns regarding compliance with the law.

Tags: USA/Crime