There are now 650 fewer illegal aliens on the streets of West Virginia after federal authorities partnered with state and local law enforcement to arrest them.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Philadelphia operation ran from Jan. 5 to Jan. 19 in Martinsburg, Moorefield, Morgantown, Beckley, Huntington and Charleston, the agency announced Friday.
“Together, federal, state, and local law enforcement officials identified and arrested hundreds of illegal aliens who pose a risk to national security and public safety, as well as those who enter the United States illegally or otherwise undermine the integrity of U.S. immigration laws and border control efforts,” the announcement said.
photos show Two persons were arrested:
Those detained included a convicted pedophile and a man convicted of drug possession.
“These arrests highlight how 287(g) partnerships serve as a force multiplier for federal resources, helping local officers – under ICE training and supervision – identify and remove individuals who may pose a threat to public safety or violate U.S. immigration laws,” the agency said.
In August, Governor Patrick Morrisey (R-WV) signed agreements between ICE and his state’s law enforcement agencies to help enforce immigration laws.
“The Biden administration’s border policies allowed millions of people to enter our country illegally as massive amounts of deadly fentanyl flowed across the southern border and into West Virginia. We are proud to crack down on illegal immigration, deport violent criminals, and partner with ICE to protect West Virginia,” Morrisey said at the time.
During a press conference, Morrisey said President Donald Trump’s administration has been “phenomenal” when it comes to immigration law enforcement.
“I’m very proud of our President and what he’s done. It’s not getting enough attention, that this President is standing up and what he’s done from a border perspective is really incredible. I want people to know that and I know West Virginians are very grateful,” he said:
According to Breitbart News, in January 2025, Morrisey ordered state law enforcement agencies to cooperate with ICE as federal authorities arrested 72 illegal aliens in one week.
Regarding the recent arrests of 650 illegals, ERO Philadelphia Acting Field Office Director Michael Rose said, “This operation demonstrates how the strong partnership between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhances public safety and the integrity of our immigration system. By training and supporting our 287(g) partners across the state, we expanded local capacity to identify, arrest, and prosecute illegal aliens “and ensuring that these officers are used professionally and in accordance with the law.”
