ICE Arrests New Orleans Police Recruit with Deportation Order

Recruit was issued a firearm by the department despite federal law prohibiting illegal aliens from possessing firearms

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:15pm

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a New Orleans Police Department recruit from Cameroon, Larry Temah, just one week before he was set to graduate from the police academy. ICE said Temah had an active deportation order and was issued a firearm by the department despite federal law prohibiting illegal aliens from possessing firearms.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the hiring and vetting practices of the New Orleans Police Department, as well as the enforcement of immigration laws and firearm restrictions for undocumented individuals. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement in so-called "sanctuary cities."

The details

According to ICE, Temah entered the U.S. legally in 2015 on a visitor visa and was granted conditional residency the following year after marrying a U.S. citizen. However, 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 do so, resulting in an immigration judge ordering him removed from the country in absentia. Despite this, the NOPD hired Temah and issued him a firearm, which is a federal crime for illegal aliens.

  • Temah entered the U.S. legally in 2015.
  • Temah was granted conditional residency in 2016 after marrying a U.S. citizen.
  • In 2022, Temah's application for permanent residency was denied due to fraud.
  • Temah was ordered to appear in immigration court three times but failed to do so.
  • Temah was arrested by ICE on January 28, 2026, one week before he was set to graduate from the NOPD police academy.

The players

Larry Temah

A 46-year-old police recruit from Cameroon who was arrested by ICE despite being issued a firearm by the New Orleans Police Department.

New Orleans Police Department

The law enforcement agency that hired and issued a firearm to Larry Temah, despite his active deportation order.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that arrested Larry Temah and accused the New Orleans Police Department of violating federal law by issuing a firearm to an illegal alien.

Tricia McLaughlin

The Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary who criticized the New Orleans Police Department for hiring and arming an illegal alien.

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What they’re saying

“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? It's a felony for illegal aliens to possess a firearm.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary

“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. 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.”

— NOPD Spokesperson (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The judge overseeing Temah's immigration case will determine whether he will be deported or allowed to remain in the country.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement, especially in cities with policies that limit cooperation with ICE. It also raises concerns about hiring and vetting practices for law enforcement positions and the enforcement of firearm restrictions for undocumented individuals.