Two Illegal Immigrant Police Officers Busted in Just 3 Months — Have One Thing in Common
Advanced | October 23, 2025
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Big Mistake in Hiring: Two Illegal Immigrant Police Officers Found to Be in the U.S. Illegally
On October 17, 2025, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested two sworn law‑enforcement officers—one in Maine and the other in Illinois—who lived in the U.S. illegally after overstaying their visas. (foxnews.com)
Agents detained the first officer, Jon Luke Evans, a Jamaican‑national reserve with the Old Orchard Beach Police Department (Maine), in July after his attempt to purchase a firearm triggered ATF and ICE intervention. (foxnews.com)
ICE also arrested Radule Bojovic from Montenegro, who worked full‑time for the Hanover Park Police Department (Illinois). He entered the U.S. on a tourist visa that expired in March 2015 but continued serving as a sworn officer until ICE agents detained him during an enforcement operation. (abcnews.go.com)
These arrests of illegal immigrant police officers reveal serious weaknesses in background checks and law‑enforcement oversight.
Why Illegal Immigrant Police Officers Are a Big Deal
A Breakdown in Vetting
Both departments said they followed hiring and background‑check procedures, including federal E‑Verify checks. Yet the discovery of two undocumented officers in different states within three months exposes major gaps in the vetting system. (foxnews.com)
Political & Community Fallout
The arrests reignited debate over “sanctuary” jurisdictions and immigration enforcement. ICE officials said both cases occurred in areas that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. (foxnews.com)
The discovery of these illegal immigrant police officers sparked public conversations about trust, accountability, and oversight in U.S. law enforcement.
What’s Going On Behind the Scenes?
Hidden Residency & Employment
Evans entered the U.S. on September 24, 2023, but skipped his scheduled flight home on October 1, 2023. (foxnews.com)
Bojovic overstayed his tourist visa by nearly a decade yet continued earning about $79,000 as a full‑time officer. (abcnews.go.com)
Department Responses
In Maine, the Old Orchard Beach police chief said the department trusted federal records that appeared valid for Evans. (foxnews.com)
In Illinois, Hanover Park officials said Bojovic provided what looked like proper work authorisation when they hired him in January 2025 and that he passed state and federal checks. (abcnews.go.com)
What Does This Mean for Law Enforcement & Trust?
Implications for Hiring & Public Safety
These two cases force local law‑enforcement agencies to re‑examine how they verify immigration status and legal work eligibility. When undocumented officers wear the badge and carry guns, communities question the credibility of their departments.
For the General Public
News of officers living illegally in the U.S. shakes public confidence in both policing and immigration oversight. Communities call for more transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies.
Vocabulary
- Vetting (noun) – the process of carefully checking someone’s background or qualifications.
Example: “The hiring process failed the vetting of both officers.” - Reserve (noun) – a member of a force or service who does part‑time work.
Example: “Evans worked as a reserve officer in Maine.” - Overstay (verb) – to remain in a country past the time your visa allows.
Example: “Bojovic overstayed his visa by nearly ten years.” - Sanction (noun) – an official action taken to enforce laws or rules; here implying consequences.
Example: “Sanctions by ICE highlight the risk of undocumented officers.” - Jurisdiction (noun) – the area or domain over which legal authority is exercised.
Example: “Illinois is considered a sanctuary jurisdiction in this case.” - Eligibility (noun) – having the right or qualification to do something.
Example: “The department believed his work eligibility was confirmed.” - Accountability (noun) – the state of being responsible and answerable for actions.
Example: “The public demanded accountability after the arrests.” - Background‑check (noun) – a review of a person’s history to determine suitability for a role.
Example: “Both officers passed background‑checks—but their immigration status was still in question.” - Transparency (noun) – openness and clarity in processes so the public can see how decisions are made.
Example: “Police departments need transparency to rebuild trust.” - Enforcement (noun) – the act of compelling compliance with laws or rules.
Example: “ICE’s enforcement operation surprised the Hanover Park department.”
Discussion Questions (About the Article)
- What mistakes did the departments make in hiring and vetting these officers?
- Why does employing undocumented officers damage public trust in law enforcement?
- How did the departments react once ICE uncovered the truth?
- What larger consequences could these cases create for other departments?
- How do “sanctuary” policies influence local and federal cooperation in immigration enforcement?
Discussion Questions (About the Topic)
- Should local police departments share immigration data with federal authorities? Why or why not?
- How can agencies strengthen vetting procedures to prevent similar incidents?
- What role does immigration status play in maintaining fairness and accountability in law enforcement?
- How might these events affect community relationships with police?
- How should leaders balance public safety priorities and immigration enforcement?
Related Idiom or Phrase
“Cross the line” – to go beyond what is acceptable or legal.
Example: “By serving as sworn officers without legal immigration status, both men crossed the line of public trust and legality.”
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This article was inspired by: Fox News (foxnews.com)
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