New Orleans Police Recruit with Deportation Order Arrested by ICE; Issued Firearm by Department

A recruit from the New Orleans Police Department, originally from Cameroon, found himself under arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) just days before his anticipated graduation from the police academy. The recruit, Larry Temah, 46, was apprehended while facing an active deportation order, a situation that raised questions about how he was issued a firearm under these circumstances.

According to a statement released by ICE on Tuesday, Temah’s arrest took place on January 28. As of now, he remains in ICE custody, highlighting the complexities and potential oversights in the recruitment process of law enforcement personnel.

The New Orleans Police Department had equipped Temah with a firearm, an action that stands in violation of federal laws that prohibit individuals without legal status in the U.S. from possessing firearms. This contradiction underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in vetting recruits.

Temah’s journey to the U.S. began in 2015 when he legally entered the country on a visitor visa. The following year, he was granted conditional residency after marrying a U.S. citizen. These developments add layers to his immigration status, which eventually led to the current deportation proceedings.

ICE’s actions have not only halted Temah’s budding law enforcement career but also spotlighted the intricate relationship between immigration regulations and local police recruitment practices. As such, this case may prompt a reevaluation of protocols to prevent similar situations in the future.

In 2022, his application for permanent residency was denied due to fraud.

Temah was ordered to appear in immigration court three times but failed to appear, resulting in an immigration judge ordering him removed from the country in absentia, ICE said.

ICE arrested a New Orleans police recruit from Cameroon who was issued a firearm despite an active deportation order, prompting a dispute with city officials. (Octavio Jones/Reuters)

ICE also said Temah did not have valid work authorization and remains in custody pending removal proceedings.

“This illegal alien from Cameroon, Larry Temah, is not only breaking the law with every step he takes in this country illegally, but the New Orleans Police Department hired him and issued him a firearm — what kind of law enforcement department gives criminal illegal aliens guns and badges?” Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. “It’s a felony for illegal aliens to possess a firearm.”

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin blasted NOPD for issuing a firearm to an illegal immigrant, saying it violates federal law. (Charly Triballeau/ AFP via Getty Images)

McLaughlin said ICE is restoring law and order under President Trump and Secretary Noem and accused sanctuary cities such as New Orleans of protecting illegal aliens at the expense of American citizens.

A spokesperson for the New Orleans Police Department disputed ICE’s claims, calling them misleading.

“The New Orleans Police Department verified Mr. Temah’s employment eligibility through ICE’s E-Verify system prior to hiring and was never notified of any ICE detainer,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “New Orleans is not a sanctuary city, and NOPD does not control jail operations or detainer decisions, which fall under the Sheriff’s Office.”

“Any claim that NOPD knowingly violated the law is false,” the spokesperson added.