West Virginia’s Cooperative ICE Operation Yields 650 Arrests Amid Contrast to Minnesota Protests
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In a concentrated two-week operation that concluded earlier this month, federal immigration authorities arrested approximately 650 individuals residing illegally in West Virginia, officials confirmed. The effort, which took place from January 5 through January 19, was marked by strong cooperation between the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and local law enforcement, resulting in a largely peaceful and orderly enforcement campaign across the Mountain State.
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey emphasized the stark difference between his state’s approach and the unrest witnessed in Minnesota, where similar federal immigration enforcement efforts have been met with sustained protests, confrontations, and what he described as “riots and violence.” McCuskey told Fox News Digital that West Virginia’s choice to collaborate with ICE enabled a swift and effective operation that avoided the chaos seen in other jurisdictions.
“The most important thing to notice here is that West Virginia and its local agencies worked hand-in-hand with federal authorities to carry out these arrests with minimal disruption,” McCuskey said. “This contrasts sharply with the Minnesota experience, where antagonism toward ICE has led to protests that hinder enforcement and create public safety risks.”
The operation targeted individuals with criminal histories or prior deportation orders, according to officials from the Department of Homeland Security. Agents fanned out across the state, focusing on those who posed potential threats to community safety. The arrests were part of a broader federal initiative to enforce immigration laws more rigorously in areas where local cooperation facilitates such efforts.
West Virginia’s approach reflects a growing divide in how states and localities respond to federal immigration enforcement. While some states, like Minnesota, have adopted policies and practices that limit cooperation with ICE—often referred to as “sanctuary” policies—others have embraced partnership, citing benefits for public safety and the rule of law.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and ICE have faced criticism from various advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, particularly regarding enforcement tactics and the treatment of detainees. However, officials in West Virginia argue that collaboration enables more efficient and humane enforcement.
Federal officials praised West Virginia’s cooperation, noting that the operation’s success hinged on local law enforcement’s willingness to assist with identifying and apprehending individuals who had evaded prior removal orders. The arrests are expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration within the state and bolster community safety.
As immigration enforcement continues to be a contentious issue nationwide, West Virginia’s experience offers a case study in how local-federal partnerships can shape outcomes. The state’s example stands in contrast to the tensions and disruptions that have accompanied similar operations in other regions, underscoring the impact of political and community choices on enforcement dynamics.
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