Full Breakdown
Arrest of New Orleans Police Recruit Raises Immigration Concerns
2/4/2026, 6:15:31 AM
Core Event: Arrest of Larry Temah
On January 28, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Larry Temah, a 46-year-old recruit for the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), who was allegedly in the United States illegally and had been issued a firearm despite an active deportation order. Temah, originally from Cameroon, was just one week away from graduating from the police academy when he was taken into custody. His arrest has sparked significant controversy regarding the hiring practices of the NOPD and the implications of immigration enforcement in law enforcement agencies.
Background & Context: Immigration Status and Employment
Larry Temah entered the United States legally in 2015 on a visitor visa and subsequently obtained conditional residency in 2016 after marrying a U.S. citizen. However, his application for permanent residency was denied in 2022 due to allegations of fraud. Following this denial, Temah failed to appear at three immigration court hearings, leading to a judge ordering his removal from the country in absentia. Despite this, he remained in the U.S. without legal status and was hired by the NOPD in June 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
ICE officials criticized the NOPD for hiring Temah and issuing him a firearm, emphasizing that it is a felony for illegal aliens to possess firearms. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin stated, "This illegal alien from Cameroon... is not only breaking the law... but the New Orleans Police Department hired him and issued him a firearm." In contrast, NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick defended the department's hiring process, asserting that they verified Temah's employment eligibility through the E-Verify system and were unaware of his illegal status until December 2025. She noted, "There was nothing in the [personnel] packet that would have given us reason to believe that this person did not have legal status."
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the NOPD's hiring practices argue that the incident highlights systemic issues within law enforcement agencies regarding background checks and immigration status verification. Some commentators have labeled New Orleans a "sanctuary city," suggesting that local policies may shield illegal immigrants from federal immigration enforcement. However, the NOPD has denied this characterization, stating, "New Orleans is not a sanctuary city, and NOPD does not control jail operations or detainer decisions."
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the effectiveness of the NOPD's background checks. While the department claims to have conducted standard criminal background checks, including searches through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, ICE maintains that Temah's illegal status should have been apparent. The lack of communication between ICE and local law enforcement raises questions about the efficacy of immigration enforcement at the local level.
What's Next
As Temah remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings, the case may prompt further scrutiny of hiring practices within the NOPD and similar law enforcement agencies across the country. The incident underscores ongoing debates about immigration policy, law enforcement, and the responsibilities of local governments in relation to federal immigration laws.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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?” — Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security
- “There was nothing in the [personnel] packet that would have given us reason to believe that this person did not have legal status,” — Anne Kirkpatrick, NOPD Superintendent
