New Orleans Police Recruit Detained by ICE After Hiring

The recruit was taken into custody despite passing background checks and having no criminal record.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:15pm

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A New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) recruit was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents over his illegal immigration status, according to the city's police chief. The recruit, who was not named, was hired by the police force in June 2025 and was going through the department's police academy when ICE informed the department that an immigration judge had signed a removal order for him in December 2025, after he had already been hired.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement agencies can face in vetting potential hires and the complex issues surrounding immigration status, even for those who have lived in the U.S. for an extended period. It raises questions about how departments can ensure they are hiring individuals who are legally authorized to work in the country.

The details

According to NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, the recruit had a valid driver's license and Social Security number, and had passed the federal E-Verify system during the hiring process. However, ICE later informed the department that an immigration judge had signed a removal order for the recruit on Dec. 5, 2025, following his application to the police force. Kirkpatrick said the recruit had lived in the United States for about 10 years and had previously lived in Georgia, and that the NOPD had conducted standard criminal background checks, including a search through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, and found no criminal history.

  • The recruit was hired by the NOPD in June 2025.
  • An immigration judge signed a removal order for the recruit on Dec. 5, 2025.
  • The NOPD was informed about the recruit's immigration status on Jan. 29, 2026.

The players

Anne Kirkpatrick

The superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that detained the NOPD recruit over his illegal immigration status.

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What they’re saying

“We learned about it this morning. There was no struggle involved. The recruit was taken into custody without any incident whatsoever.”

— Anne Kirkpatrick, NOPD Superintendent (americantalk.live)

“There was nothing in the [personnel] packet that would have given us reason to believe that this person did not have legal status. There is some question that may have developed later.”

— Anne Kirkpatrick, NOPD Superintendent (americantalk.live)

“The order of removal occurred after we had already hired him.”

— Anne Kirkpatrick, NOPD Superintendent (americantalk.live)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether or not to allow the recruit to be released on bond.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues law enforcement agencies face in vetting potential hires, even those who have passed background checks and have no criminal record. It raises questions about how departments can ensure they are hiring individuals who are legally authorized to work in the country.