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A Maine police officer immigration arrest has triggered controversy after the officer agreed to voluntarily leave the United States. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Monday that Old Orchard Beach reserve Officer Jon Luke Evans, a Jamaican national, will depart at his own expense to avoid deportation.
Voluntary Departure Decision
ICE arrested Evans on July 25 as part of stepped-up immigration enforcement. A judge approved his voluntary departure, allowing him to leave immediately. Evans’ case sparked debate after local officials claimed federal authorities had previously confirmed his legal work authorization.
Dispute Over Work Authorization
Police Chief Elise Chard said federal officials had notified the department that Evans could legally work in the U.S. The town also submitted documents through the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program before his hiring. However, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin criticized the town’s “reckless reliance” on E-Verify, raising questions about the program’s reliability.
E-Verify allows employers to check if workers can legally work in the U.S. Despite this, ICE alleged Evans overstayed his visa and attempted to unlawfully purchase a firearm.
Confusion Over Detention Location
ICE’s detainee website listed Evans at Rhode Island’s Wyatt Detention Facility on Monday. Yet, Wyatt officials reported he had already been transferred to an ICE facility in Burlington, Massachusetts. ICE did not clarify the conflicting information. It also remains unclear whether Evans has legal representation.
Town’s Response and Commitment
Chief Chard acknowledged reports of Evans’ voluntary departure plans. She emphasized the town’s commitment to following state and federal hiring laws. “We will continue to rely on the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form and E-Verify database,” Chard said in a statement.
Background and Next Steps
WMTW-TV reported that Evans’ decision to leave voluntarily allows him to avoid a formal deportation order. His case highlights tensions between local governments and ICE over immigration enforcement practices.
The Maine police immigration arrest underscores ongoing challenges in balancing federal immigration enforcement with local employment verification systems.
