CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A newly introduced bill in the West Virginia Senate would mandate that individuals determined to be in the country illegally be turned over to federal immigration authorities and would impose prison time for repeat offenses.
Senate Bill 615, introduced during the 2026 Regular Session, has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.
What the Bill Proposes
Under the legislation, any person identified by local, state, or federal law enforcement in West Virginia as being in the country illegally would be immediately transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation proceedings.
If that same individual is later found in West Virginia again and determined to be in the country illegally a second time, the bill would elevate the matter to a felony offense.
Criminal Penalties for Repeat Violations
For a second offense, the individual would face three to five years in a state penitentiary. After completing the prison sentence, the individual would then be turned over to ICE for deportation.
Enforcement Authority
The bill states that no state or local government entity may override or interfere with its provisions or with federal immigration policy. Existing state law governing cooperation with federal authorities would apply to enforcement of the measure.
Why It Matters
Supporters of the bill say it strengthens cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and establishes clear consequences for repeat illegal entry into the state. Critics are expected to raise concerns about enforcement, costs to the state prison system, and the role of state and local law enforcement in immigration matters.
Senate Bill 615 is in the early stages of the legislative process and would need to pass committee review and full legislative approval before becoming law
