ICE Arrests NOPD Recruit with Active Deportation Order
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained a New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) recruit from Cameroon, Larry Temah, who was about to graduate from the police academy. The arrest raises concerns about NOPD’s hiring practices, as Temah allegedly received a firearm despite having an active deportation order.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States, particularly in cities where policies may conflict with federal immigration laws. The case underscores the importance of ensuring that law enforcement agencies are aware of applicants’ legal status prior to granting them authority.
Key Developments
- Larry Temah, 46, was arrested by ICE on January 28 and is currently in custody pending deportation.
- Temah legally entered the U.S. in 2015 on a visitor visa and later obtained conditional residency after marrying a U.S. citizen.
- His application for permanent residency was rejected in 2022 due to fraud allegations.
- Despite three court appearances ordered by an immigration judge, Temah failed to attend, prompting the judge to issue a removal order in absentia.
- NOPD issued Temah a firearm, which ICE officials indicate violates federal law prohibiting firearm possession by undocumented immigrants.
- Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized NOPD for this, framing the situation as a breach of public safety.
Full Report
Arrest Details
ICE announced Temah’s arrest following an investigation into his legal status. He was taken into custody just days before he was set to graduate from the NOPD academy. According to ICE, Temah was in the U.S. without valid work authorization, which complicates his employment as a police recruit.
NOPD’s Position
In response to the arrest, a spokesperson for NOPD claimed that the department conducted due diligence by verifying Temah’s employment eligibility through the ICE E-Verify system. They also stated that they had never received notice of an ICE detainer. The spokesperson emphasized that New Orleans is not designated as a sanctuary city and pointed out that detainer decisions fall under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff’s Office. They firmly rejected allegations of any legal violations on the part of the department.
Federal Officials’ Critique
Tricia McLaughlin’s comments reflected a broader critique of sanctuary city policies, asserting that such measures prioritize the protection of undocumented immigrants over the safety of American citizens. She highlighted the need for law enforcement agencies to uphold immigration laws rigorously.
Context & Previous Events
Temah’s entry into the U.S. in 2015 occurred legally, but his subsequent journey to conditional residency reveals a concerning pattern of immigration-related issues, culminating in fraud allegations leading to the denial of his permanent residency application in 2022. His failure to appear for immigration court ultimately resulted in an order for removal in absentia.
The situation raises questions about how local law enforcement agencies verify the legal status of their recruits and the implications of harboring undocumented individuals within public safety roles.
