WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials say more than 650 people in the United States illegally were arrested during a statewide enforcement surge in West Virginia earlier this month.
According to ICE, the operation was carried out by ICE Philadelphia between Jan. 5 and Jan. 19 in partnership with 14 West Virginia law enforcement agencies participating in the federal 287(g) program.
Officials said those arrested included individuals with convictions for crimes such as child sex abuse, drug possession, and endangering the welfare of children, as well as people with prior removal orders.
ICE surge teams were deployed to several West Virginia communities, including Martinsburg, Moorefield, Morgantown, Beckley, Huntington and Charleston.
Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies worked together to identify and arrest individuals described by ICE as posing risks to public safety, national security, or the integrity of U.S. immigration laws.
“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.”
ICE highlighted several arrests made during the operation. On Jan. 8, officers arrested Sagar Singh, a citizen of India, under Operation ICE Wall, which targets individuals operating commercial vehicles.
ICE said Singh was stopped after failing to stop at a mandatory brake check station and was cited for multiple commercial vehicle safety violations.
Officials said Singh had previously been ordered removed from the United States. ICE reported that more than 25 people were arrested statewide under Operation ICE Wall during the two-week period.
On Jan. 11, ICE officers arrested Ling Yan, also known as Yang Ning, described as a Chinese criminal illegal alien. ICE said he was convicted of two counts of endangering the welfare of children in Ravenna County, Ohio, and has a final order of removal.
ICE also reported the arrest of a convicted child sex abuser, an individual convicted of drug possession, and others during the enforcement effort.
State and federal leaders issued statements following the operation.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said, “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. 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.”
U.S. Attorney for the District of West Virginia Matthew L. Harvey said, “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.”
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia Moore Capito added, “The dedication shown by our state and local law enforcement partners during this operation reflects the very best of West Virginia. 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.”
ICE officials said they and their West Virginia partners will continue working together to build on the results of the enforcement surge.
