ICE arrests 650 illegal aliens in West Virginia

PHILADELPHIA - From Jan. 5 to Jan. 19, ICE Philadelphia conducted a statewide surge with 14 of its 287(g) partners in West Virginia, arresting over 650 illegal aliens, including several with serious criminal histories and prior removals.

ICE Philadelphia deployed surge teams to Martinsburg, Moorefield, Morgantown, Beckley, Huntington and Charleston as part of the operation. Together, federal, state and local law enforcement officials identified and arrested hundreds of illegal aliens who present dangers to national security and risks to public safety, as well as those who entered the United States illegally or have otherwise undermined the integrity of U.S. immigration laws and border control efforts.

"This operation demonstrates how strong partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and the integrity of our immigration system," said ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Michael Rose. "By training and supporting our 287(g) partners across the state, we've expanded local capacity to identify, arrest, and process illegal aliens while ensuring these authorities are exercised professionally and consistent with the law."

Some of the most egregious offenders arrested during the surge include the following.

ICE also arrested a convicted child sex abuser, a criminal convicted of drug possession charges, and many others during the operation.

These arrests highlight how 287(g) partnerships serve as a force multiplier for federal resources, enabling local officers - under ICE training and supervision - to identify and help remove individuals who may pose threats to public safety or have violated U.S. immigration laws. "The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has just completed a two-week operation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement," said Jefferson County Sheriff Tom Hansen. "The Sheriff's Office was impressed with the professionalism and work ethic of the agents and how well they interacted with the citizens and local law enforcement officers.

Working with such a high caliber group of agents who were assigned to Jefferson County made the decision to support the initiative worthwhile. We are also gratified that through this program, we have had the opportunity to remove numerous dangerous criminals from our community."

ICE Philadelphia and its West Virginia partners will continue working together to sustain and build on the gains made during this operation.

"I want to thank the men and women of ICE for their outstanding partnership with various state entities, including the State Police, and their tireless work here in West Virginia," said Gov. Patrick Morrisey. "Through our collaboration under the 287(g) program, they have removed dangerous illegal immigrants from our communities and made our state safer for families and law-abiding citizens. After years of Biden's reckless border policies putting the public at risk, it is encouraging to work with President Trump and ICE to secure our homeland and deliver real results for West Virginians."

"This operation, which resulted in 650 arrests, reflects the strength of collaboration among local, state and federal partners, I am proud to stand alongside our law enforcement agencies to ensure federal laws are enforced and justice is served," said U.S. Attorney for the District of West Virginia Matthew L. Harvey.

"The dedication shown by our state and local law enforcement partners during this operation reflects the very best of West Virginia," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia Moore Capito. "This operation resulted in the removal of more than 650 individuals who were in violation of federal law. I'm proud to stand alongside our law enforcement partners as we continue to protect our communities and maintain the integrity of our nation's system of laws."