ICE Arrests Over 650 Undocumented Immigrants in West Virginia During Two-Week Operation
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested more than 650 undocumented immigrants across West Virginia in a comprehensive two-week operation that concluded January 19. The enforcement surge, conducted in partnership with local and state law enforcement agencies, targeted individuals who pose threats to public safety and national security, as well as those who entered the country illegally.
The operation spanned six cities including Charleston, Martinsburg, Beckley, Moorefield, Morgantown, and Huntington. ICE deployed specialized teams to these locations, working closely with 14 federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to enhance the effectiveness of the operation. Officials emphasized that the collaboration between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement demonstrates a commitment to upholding the integrity of the immigration system while protecting communities.
According to a statement released by ICE, the operation focused on identifying and apprehending individuals with criminal histories, including those convicted of serious offenses such as child sex abuse. This targeted approach aligns with broader federal efforts to prioritize the removal of individuals who threaten public safety.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has supported these enforcement actions as part of its mission to secure the nation’s borders and interior. DHS officials have highlighted the importance of partnerships with local law enforcement, which often provide critical intelligence and logistical support that enhance ICE’s operational capabilities.
Local law enforcement agencies in West Virginia have expressed support for the operation, underscoring the shared goal of maintaining safe communities. This cooperation stands in contrast to jurisdictions that have adopted sanctuary policies limiting collaboration with federal immigration authorities. By working together, ICE and local partners were able to conduct arrests without the disruptions or protests that have accompanied similar operations in other parts of the country.
Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection also indicate a continued focus on interior enforcement as part of the federal government’s comprehensive immigration strategy. The arrests in West Virginia contribute to a nationwide effort to address illegal immigration through coordinated enforcement and removal operations.
While immigration advocacy groups have historically criticized ICE operations for their impact on immigrant communities, federal officials maintain that these actions are necessary to uphold the rule of law and ensure public safety. The agency’s emphasis on targeting individuals with criminal records reflects a policy priority to remove those who pose the greatest risks.
The recent operation in West Virginia follows a series of similar enforcement efforts nationwide, including a notable surge in arrests in other states earlier this year. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency continues to deploy resources strategically to areas where unauthorized immigration and related criminal activity are prevalent.
As the federal government balances enforcement with humanitarian considerations, ICE officials have reiterated their commitment to conducting operations with professionalism and respect for legal rights. The agency’s coordination with state and local law enforcement remains a cornerstone of its approach to managing immigration challenges within the United States.
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