New Orleans Police Recruit Arrested by ICE

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A New Orleans police recruit has been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after authorities discovered he was in the United States illegally, despite passing a background check and having no criminal record.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex challenges facing law enforcement agencies in vetting recruits and the broader issues around immigration enforcement, especially for those who have lived in the US for an extended period without proper documentation.

The details

According to New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, the recruit had been in the US for 10 years and his application packet did not raise any concerns about his immigration status. The warrant for his arrest was signed by a judge in Atlanta, where Kirkpatrick said the recruit had lived "for many years" before moving to Louisiana. Kirkpatrick noted the recruit is being held without bond as ICE seeks to deport him.

• The recruit's arrest happened within the last 24 hours.
• Kirkpatrick said she learned about the arrest this morning.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Kirkpatrick said the recruit is being held without bond as ICE seeks to deport him.