Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested [1] more than 650 illegal aliens across West Virginia during a two-week statewide enforcement operation conducted in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, according to a statement released by ICE on Sunday.
The operation, which ran from Jan. 5 through Jan. 19, involved 14 law enforcement partners and was carried out without reported protests or major disruptions, federal officials said.
ICE deployed enforcement teams to multiple locations across the state, including Charleston, Martinsburg, Beckley, Moorefield, Morgantown, and Huntington.
According to ICE, the arrests included individuals identified as threats to public safety and national security, as well as others who entered the United States illegally.
The operation was part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement agencies.
“This operation demonstrates how strong partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and the integrity of our immigration system,” ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Michael Rose said.
“By training and supporting our… 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.”
Federal officials said the coordinated effort allowed participating agencies to focus on identifying individuals who were already subject to removal orders or who had criminal histories, while also addressing immigration violations uncovered during routine law enforcement encounters.
One of the individuals arrested during the operation was Sagar Singh, a citizen of India, who was taken into custody on Jan. 8 as part of Operation ICE Wall.
ICE said the operation specifically targeted illegal aliens operating commercial vehicles. Singh was stopped after failing to halt at a mandatory brake check station.
During the traffic stop, Singh was cited for multiple vehicle infractions, including operating an unsafe commercial vehicle.
ICE officials said Singh had previously been ordered removed from the United States.
He was one of more than 25 illegal aliens arrested under Operation ICE Wall during the two-week enforcement surge.
ICE also reported the arrest of Ling Yan, a citizen of China also known as Yang Ning, who had previously been convicted of two counts of endangering the welfare of children in Ravenna, Ohio.
In addition to Yan, ICE said the operation resulted in the arrest of a convicted child sex abuser, an individual with drug possession convictions, and several other offenders with criminal records.
Federal authorities did not release the names of all individuals arrested but emphasized that the operation focused on enforcing immigration laws while prioritizing public safety.
ICE officials said the arrests were conducted in accordance with federal law and with the support of local agencies.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was among the law enforcement agencies that partnered with ICE during the operation.
Sheriff Tom Hansen praised the professionalism of the federal agents involved and highlighted the impact of the collaboration.
“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,” Hansen said.
“Working with such a high-caliber group of agents who were assigned to Jefferson County made the decision to support the initiative worthwhile.”
Hansen said the operation resulted in tangible benefits for the community.
“We are also gratified that through this program, we have had the opportunity to remove numerous dangerous criminals from our community,” he added.
ICE officials said the West Virginia operation demonstrates how coordinated enforcement efforts can expand local capacity to address immigration violations while maintaining cooperation between agencies.
The agency noted that similar operations have been conducted in other states as part of ongoing efforts to enforce federal immigration law and remove individuals who are unlawfully present in the country.
ICE said cases will be processed through the appropriate legal channels.