A routine day in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, took a dramatic turn on July 25, 2025, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Jon Luke Evans, a reserve police officer serving in the town’s police department. The arrest stunned local officials and quickly drew national attention, raising questions about immigration vetting, local hiring practices, and federal oversight.
The Allegations
Federal authorities allege that Evans, who had been working in uniform as a reserve officer, was living in the United States illegally after overstaying his visa. More troubling, investigators say he attempted to illegally purchase a firearm, reportedly intended for use during his police duties.
While he had been serving in a law enforcement role, Evans was not a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident — both requirements for police employment in most jurisdictions. His presence in the department has sparked alarm over how such a lapse could occur.
Voluntary Departure
Following his arrest, Evans appeared before an immigration judge in August 2025. Rather than face deportation proceedings, the court granted him voluntary departure, meaning he must leave the country at his own expense by a set deadline. Voluntary departure is considered a more lenient outcome, allowing the individual to avoid some of the long-term penalties associated with formal removal.
The Hiring Controversy
The Old Orchard Beach Police Department has insisted that it followed standard hiring procedures. Officials explained that Evans’ information was run through Form I-9 employment verification and the federal E-Verify system, both of which initially cleared him for employment.
However, the Department of Homeland Security later criticized this reliance, warning that E-Verify alone is insufficient for high-security or public safety positions like policing. DHS officials described the oversight as “reckless,” stressing that more rigorous checks should have been in place.
Community and Political Reaction
News of Evans’ arrest rippled through the community, leaving residents unsettled. Many expressed concern that an individual without legal status was entrusted with the powers of law enforcement.
Maine lawmakers also weighed in. State leaders called for a closer examination of how background checks are conducted, particularly for roles that carry authority and require the public’s trust. Some argued that the incident exposed a gap in communication between local hiring authorities and federal immigration agencies.
Larger Implications
The case has sparked debate nationwide about the reliability of current employment verification systems. Critics argue that local agencies should not be left to rely solely on federal databases that may not flag every immigration issue. Supporters of reform are urging Congress to strengthen oversight and ensure that sensitive positions like policing undergo more thorough federal review.
Moving Forward
For Old Orchard Beach, the focus now is on regaining community trust. The police department has pledged to cooperate fully with federal authorities and to reexamine its hiring practices. Meanwhile, Evans is expected to leave the United States under the terms of his voluntary departure ruling.
The case of Jon Luke Evans serves as a striking example of how lapses in verification and oversight can have far-reaching consequences. It raises troubling questions about how an individual living unlawfully in the U.S. could don a badge, wear a uniform, and serve as a police officer — until ICE intervened.