Old Orchard police have become the center of national attention after a reserve officer, Jon Luke Evans, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on July 25. The dramatic incident in the Maine resort town has ignited a debate over immigration law, police hiring practices, and federal oversight—all revolving around the key phrase “old orchard police.”
Evans, originally from Jamaica, joined the Old Orchard police as a reserve officer for the busy summer season. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Evans overstayed his visa after arriving legally in Miami in September 2023. ICE alleges that his status as an “illegal alien” was confirmed when he attempted to purchase a firearm in Biddeford, Maine—a gun he said was for his police duties. The attempted purchase triggered an immediate alert to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which coordinated with ICE to arrest Evans.
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Conflicting Claims Between ICE and Old Orchard Police
The core of this dispute centers on whether the Old Orchard police officer was in fact legally permitted to work in the United States. ICE officials, including Patricia H. Hyde of the ERO Boston office, have sharply criticized the police department:
- ICE Statement: “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. We have a police department that was knowingly breaking the very law they are charged with enforcing in order to employ an illegal alien”.
But the response from Old Orchard police chief Elise Chard has been equally forceful. Chief Chard insists that Jon Luke Evans was fully vetted through the federal E-Verify program, with forms submitted and approved by DHS on May 12, 2025. She added:
- The department “reviewed multiple forms of identification, including photo identification, and submitted Evans’ I-9 form to the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program. The Department of Homeland security then verified that Evans was authorized to work in the U.S… and authorized to work in the United States until 2030.”
Chief Chard also emphasized that Evans passed all required background checks and completed state-legal training for reserve officers. Under Maine law, non-citizen residents are permitted to serve in law enforcement. She further remarked the department was “never officially informed about Evans’ detention,” learning details only through ICE’s news release.
What Happens Next?
Details remain unclear about the future for both Officer Evans and the Old Orchard police:
- Evans is reportedly in ICE custody and his employment status is now under review.
- Chief Chard announced a thorough internal review to ensure compliance with all federal and state laws.
- The incident has led to questions about whether other agencies might face similar issues, as ICE referenced a comparable April arrest of a corrections officer in Maine.
Key Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sept 24, 2023 | Evans enters U.S. via Miami; visa due to expire Oct 1, 2023 |
| May 12, 2025 | DHS approves Evans’ work authorization (per Old Orchard Police) |
| June 2025 | Evans is welcomed as reserve officer (Maine Criminal Justice grad) |
| July 25, 2025 | Evans arrested by ICE after attempted firearm purchase |
| July 29, 2025 | Public statements issued; investigation announced |
Issues at Stake
- Verification Conflicts: The old orchard police maintain that they followed federal procedures and received DHS clearance for Evans.
- Federal-State Friction: ICE continues to stress Evans’ overstay and illegal status, launching strong criticism of police hiring.
- Law Enforcement Hiring Scrutiny: There is heightened attention on vetting processes for law enforcement, especially for non-citizens.
Broader Impact
Old Orchard Beach, traditionally a bustling tourist hub in Maine, rarely draws national headlines for controversy. This case places a spotlight on both local policing and the complexity of federal immigration enforcement in real-world hiring scenarios. Additional reviews and possibly state-level recommendations may follow depending on the investigation’s findings.
Have thoughts on what this means for law enforcement or immigration checks? Share your views in the comments below—your perspective helps foster vital community discussion on key issues.