A quiet two-week immigration enforcement operation in West Virginia resulted in the arrest of more than 650 undocumented immigrants, many with criminal histories, thanks to cooperation between federal agents and local law enforcement — a sharp contrast to unrest in Minnesota, where officials say resistance has fueled disorder.
From Jan. 5 to Jan. 19, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, working with state and local partners under the 287(g) cooperation program, conducted a statewide surge that targeted individuals with convictions or prior deportation orders. Arrests included those linked to violent offenses, drug trafficking, burglary, domestic violence, and child neglect, according to federal officials. The operation unfolded with minimal public disruption or protest.
U.S. Attorney for the District of West Virginia, Matthew L. Harvey, highlighted the efficiency, crediting local collaboration for the smooth process in a joint statement with ICE.
“This operation, which resulted in 650 arrests, reflects the strength of collaboration among local, state, and federal partners,” Harvey said. “I am proud to stand alongside our law enforcement agencies to ensure federal laws are enforced and justice is served.”
Federal officials and supporters have been quick to point out stark differences between cooperative states like West Virginia and the turmoil in Minnesota, where enforcement efforts have been met with unchecked confrontations and aggressive obstruction.
Taking to X Monday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-IL, pointed out that Minnesota chaos is a choice.
“When state and local officials work with ICE, criminal illegal aliens are removed peacefully, and communities are safer. West Virginia proved it.”
When state and local officials work with ICE, criminal illegal aliens are removed peacefully, and communities are safer.
West Virginia proved it. pic.twitter.com/0QPxi7n2Uv
— Rep. Mary Miller (@RepMaryMiller) February 9, 2026
In Minnesota, Attorney General Keith Ellison described ICE actions as a “federal invasion” and encouraged resistance, leading to reported surveillance of agents, checkpoints and clashes. Critics of non-cooperation argue such policies waste resources and endanger communities by limiting information-sharing.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the benefits of local partnerships: “If we work together, we can make America safe again. Sanctuary politicians who refuse to cooperate with DHS law enforcement are putting their own constituents in danger.”
Jefferson County Sheriff Thomas Hansen praised ICE agents’ professionalism in interactions with locals.
“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. We are also gratified that through this program, we have had the opportunity to remove numerous dangerous criminals from our community.”
No major incidents or tragedies marred the arrests in the Mountain State, leading officials to tout the West Virginia model as proof that collaboration yields peaceful, effective removals of criminal undocumented immigrants—avoiding the “Minnesota-style chaos” that many now attribute to deliberate non-cooperation.
