ICE arrested Larry Temah, a 46-year-old Cameroonian national, on January 28, 2026. Temah was a recruit for the New Orleans Police Department and had been issued a firearm by the department despite not having legal authorization to carry one as an undocumented immigrant.
Temah first entered the United States in 2015 on a visitor visa and later obtained conditional residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen in 2016. In 2022, his application for permanent residency was denied due to fraud allegations. Following this denial, he failed to appear at three scheduled immigration court hearings, leading to an order of removal being issued against him in absentia. He also did not have valid work authorization during this period.
ICE officials stated that Temah is currently in custody and will remain there pending removal proceedings.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on the situation: “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 in a firearm—what kind of law enforcement department gives criminal illegal aliens guns and badges? It’s a FELONY for illegal aliens to even possess a firearm,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, ICE is restoring law and order. Criminal illegal aliens have no place in our communities—especially on our police forces.”
According to ICE, sanctuary cities such as New Orleans do not honor immigration detainers and often protect undocumented immigrants instead of cooperating with federal authorities. ICE has stated it will continue enforcing immigration laws and placing detainers as necessary.
