In a major victory for law-and-order and public safety, ICE, in coordination with 14 federal, state, and local partners, arrested more than 650 illegal aliens across West Virginia during a two-week operation from January 5 to 19. Unlike many recent law enforcement efforts nationwide, this operation took place without protests or obstruction, targeting cities including Charleston, Martinsburg, Beckley, Moorefield, Morgantown, and Huntington.
The arrests focused not just on individuals who entered the country illegally, but on those posing real threats to public safety and national security. Among those taken into custody were Sagar Singh, an Indian national previously ordered removed who had committed vehicle infractions, and Ling Yan, a Chinese national convicted of child endangerment. Officials emphasized that these were not “innocent immigrants,” but dangerous individuals jeopardizing their communities.
ERO Philadelphia Acting Field Office Director Michael Rose praised the operation, noting, “This operation demonstrates how strong partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and the integrity of our immigration system.” He highlighted the 287(g) program, which trains local law enforcement to identify, arrest, and process illegal aliens professionally and in full compliance with federal law.
Jefferson County Sheriff Tom Hansen added his praise, calling ICE agents “high-caliber” and commending their professionalism and respectful engagement with local officers and citizens. “Through this program, we have had the opportunity to remove numerous dangerous criminals from our community,” he said. “Their work directly protects families and ensures law-abiding citizens can live without fear.”
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey applauded the operation as a win for citizens after years of weak border enforcement under the Biden administration. “Through our collaboration under the 287(g) program, ICE has removed dangerous illegal immigrants from our communities and made our state safer for families and law-abiding citizens,” the Republican governor said. “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, highlighted the teamwork involved, saying, “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.”
Similarly, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, Moore Capito, praised local officers for their dedication, stating, “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.”
The operation marks a clear example of how enforcing immigration law protects communities and removes dangerous criminals—a stark contrast to the Biden administration’s ongoing failure to secure the border and support local law enforcement. For West Virginians, the message is clear: law and order still matters, and partnerships with ICE can deliver real results for public safety.
