By Newspot Nigeria Global Desk
New Orleans, Louisiana – A 46-year-old New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) recruit, Larry Temah, has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), triggering a sharp public dispute between federal authorities and city officials over immigration enforcement and police hiring protocols.
Temah, a Cameroonian national, was taken into ICE custody on January 28, 2026, while undergoing academy training with the NOPD. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later confirmed that an immigration judge had ordered his removal in December 2025 after he failed to appear in court three times.
Background of the Case
According to federal authorities, Temah entered the United States legally in 2015 on a visitor visa and received conditional residency in 2016. However, his application for permanent residency was denied in 2022 on grounds of fraud. Following missed immigration court hearings, a removal order was issued in absentia late last year.
Despite the removal order, Temah was hired by the NOPD in June 2025. Police officials maintain that the department followed all required procedures during the recruitment process. They say Temah passed the federal E-Verify system, possessed a valid Social Security number and driver’s license, and had no criminal record at the time of hiring.
Firearm Dispute
A further controversy emerged after DHS officials alleged that Temah had been issued a firearm during his police training — which would constitute a federal felony for someone without lawful status.
However, NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick firmly denied that claim, stating that Temah was still early in academy training and had not been issued a service weapon.
Federal vs. City Authorities
Federal officials have used the case to criticize New Orleans, describing it as a “sanctuary city” and accusing local authorities of failing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Superintendent Kirkpatrick responded by calling DHS statements “misleading,” asserting that the department had not been notified of any active detainer or removal order prior to the day of Temah’s arrest.
City officials argue that local law enforcement agencies rely on federal verification systems and cannot act on immigration matters without proper notification from federal authorities.
Broader Implications
The case raises broader questions about the intersection of immigration enforcement and local hiring practices, particularly in jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It also highlights gaps in communication between federal agencies and local institutions.
Temah remains in ICE custody pending further removal proceedings.
As the legal and political fallout continues, the situation underscores the complexities surrounding immigration status verification, federal detainers, and public safety recruitment standards in the United States.
— Newspot Nigeria
