Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested more than 650 illegal aliens in West Virginia during a statewide enforcement surge conducted from Jan. 5 to Jan. 19, federal officials announced. The operation involved ICE Philadelphia working with 14 local law enforcement agencies under the federal 287(g) program and targeted individuals with criminal histories and prior removal orders.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested more than 650 illegal aliens in West Virginia during a statewide enforcement surge conducted from Jan. 5 to Jan. 19, federal officials announced. The operation involved ICE Philadelphia working with 14 local law enforcement agencies under the federal 287(g) program and targeted individuals with criminal histories and prior removal orders.

ICE teams were deployed across Martinsburg, Moorefield, Morgantown, Beckley, Huntington, and Charleston. Officials said those arrested included individuals convicted of child sex abuse, drug possession, and endangering the welfare of children, as well as people who had previously been ordered removed from the United States.

“This operation demonstrates how strong partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and the integrity of our immigration system,” said Michael Rose, acting field office director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Philadelphia.

Among those arrested were a previously removed commercial vehicle operator from India and a Chinese national convicted on child endangerment charges in Ohio. ICE said more than 25 arrests were tied to Operation ICE Wall, which focuses on immigration violations involving commercial drivers.

The arrests underscore expanded use of the 287(g) program, which allows trained local officers to assist with immigration enforcement under federal supervision. State and local officials praised the operation, while supporters cited public safety gains. Critics of large-scale enforcement actions continue to raise concerns nationally about immigration policy and oversight.