U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detains a recruit with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) in a January 28 operation, alleging he was in the United States illegally and not authorized to possess a firearm.
Larry Temah, 46, a native of Cameroon, had been recruited by the NOPD and issued a department-issued gun. ICE said Temah could not legally possess a weapon and did not have valid work authorization to serve in law enforcement.
According to ICE, Temah originally entered the United States legally in 2015 on a visitor visa. In 2016, he was granted conditional residency after marrying a U.S. citizen. However, his application for permanent residency was later denied in 2022 due to findings of fraud, rendering him without legal status.
ICE stated that Temah was ordered to appear in immigration court three times but failed to do so. An immigration judge subsequently ordered his removal in absentia. ICE confirmed that he remained in the country illegally despite the court’s order. Temah is currently in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated the recruit would not be granted bond and is expected to be removed from the country. The department was notified of the detainment on Jan. 28 and shared the recruit’s file with ICE, which provided guidance on reviewing immigration-related concerns.
The recruit began the hiring process with NOPD in June 2025 and passed a background check, including screening through the FBI’s National Crime Information Center and E-Verify, a federal employment verification system. He held a valid driver’s license and Social Security number.
“This illegal alien from Cameroon, Larry Temah, is not only breaking the law by remaining in the country illegally, but the New Orleans Police Department also hired him and issued him a firearm,” said ICE Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement.
“It is a felony for illegal aliens to possess a firearm. Under the current administration, ICE is enforcing immigration laws and restoring public safety. Criminal illegal aliens have no place in our communities, particularly on police forces.”
ICE also criticized New Orleans as a sanctuary city, saying it has ignored ICE detainers and has provided protection to individuals residing illegally in the country. The agency said it will continue placing detainers and enforcing immigration laws in jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal authorities.
Officials did not provide additional details regarding how Temah was recruited by the NOPD or how long he had served as a recruit. ICE confirmed that the agency will continue monitoring and enforcing federal immigration laws nationwide.
NOPD’s recruiting website states that applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. but are not required to be U.S. citizens, according to the report.
Federal law prohibits non-U.S. citizens without proper authorization from owning or carrying firearms. The agency emphasized that law enforcement agencies must verify both immigration and work authorization status before issuing badges and weapons.
The NOPD has not released a public statement regarding Temah’s arrest. Local authorities are expected to review hiring protocols to ensure compliance with federal law.
Larry Temah remains in ICE custody as removal proceedings move forward.