New Orleans police department hired illegal to police force

In late January 2026 — a police academy recruit named Larry Temah, a 46-year-old man from Cameroon, was arrested by ICE. Here’s a breakdown of what happened based on reports from DHS/ICE, local news outlets (like WWL, Fox 8, NOLA.com), and NOPD statements.

Temah entered the U.S. legally in 2015 on a visitor visa. In 2016, he married a U.S. citizen and was granted conditional residency. However, his application for permanent residency (green card) was denied in 2022 due to alleged marriage fraud. He failed to appear in immigration court, leading to an in-absentia removal (deportation) order.

Temah applied to the NOPD around June 2025 (some reports say application in early 2025, hired September 2025). He provided a valid driver’s license, Social Security number, and passed standard background checks (including FBI/NCIC criminal checks) and the federal E-Verify system for employment eligibility. NOPD states nothing in his file indicated illegal status at the time, and he had no criminal history. He was issued a firearm during academy training.

On January 28, 2026 (about one week before academy graduation), ICE arrested him at home. He had an active deportation order (issued December 2025, after his hiring). ICE highlighted that, as someone without valid status/work authorization, it was illegal for him to possess a firearm (a federal felony for undocumented immigrants).

NOPD’s response: Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said they were unaware of any issues during hiring—he cleared all checks—and the deportation order came after he was already in the process. NOPD called some federal statements “misleading” and emphasized they use E-Verify and aren’t a sanctuary jurisdiction. They cooperated after notification.