U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials announced that a two-week enforcement surge conducted across West Virginia earlier this month resulted in the arrest of more than 650 individuals identified as being in the United States illegally, including several with serious criminal histories and prior removal orders.
According to ICE, the operation was carried out between Jan. 5 and Jan. 19 by ICE Philadelphia in coordination with 14 local law enforcement agencies participating in the federal 287(g) program. Surge teams were deployed to multiple locations across the state, including Martinsburg, Moorefield, Morgantown, Beckley, Huntington, and Charleston.
Federal officials said the operation focused on identifying individuals who posed public safety risks, had previously been ordered removed, or had otherwise violated federal immigration laws. The effort involved cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities trained to assist in immigration enforcement under ICE supervision.
Acting Field Office Director Michael Rose said the operation demonstrated the role local partnerships play in immigration enforcement. He said the 287(g) program allows trained local officers to assist with identifying and processing individuals encountered during routine law enforcement activities, expanding enforcement capacity while remaining within legal boundaries.
ICE highlighted several arrests made during the operation. On Jan. 8, officers arrested Sagar Singh, an Indian national previously ordered removed, after he was stopped by a commercial vehicle enforcement officer for failing to comply with a mandatory brake inspection. Singh was cited for multiple safety violations related to operating an unsafe commercial vehicle. ICE said his arrest was part of a broader initiative targeting unauthorized commercial vehicle operators.
On Jan. 11, ICE officers arrested Ling Yan, also known as Yang Ning, a Chinese national convicted on two counts of endangering the welfare of children in Ohio. ICE said Yan has a final order of removal.
Officials said additional arrests during the surge included individuals convicted of child sexual abuse and drug-related offenses, as well as others with prior immigration violations.
Local law enforcement officials involved in the operation said the collaboration allowed agencies to remove individuals they described as posing risks to their communities. Tom Hansen, sheriff of Jefferson County, said his office worked closely with ICE agents throughout the two-week effort and described the operation as professional and effective.
State leaders also praised the results. Patrick Morrisey said the enforcement action reflected cooperation between West Virginia authorities and federal immigration officials, while emphasizing the state’s participation in the 287(g) program.
Federal prosecutors echoed that sentiment. Matthew L. Harvey said the operation demonstrated coordination among law enforcement agencies, while Moore Capito said the arrests reinforced the enforcement of federal law across the state.
ICE said it plans to continue working with its West Virginia partners to maintain enforcement efforts following the conclusion of the surge.
