From January 5 to January 19, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Philadelphia, in partnership with 14 local law enforcement agencies under the 287(g) program, conducted a statewide operation in West Virginia. The initiative resulted in the arrest of over 650 individuals who were identified as being in the United States illegally. Several of those arrested had serious criminal histories or prior removal orders.
The operation involved surge teams deployed to Martinsburg, Moorefield, Morgantown, Beckley, Huntington, and Charleston. Federal, state, and local officers worked together to identify individuals considered threats to national security or public safety and those found to be violating immigration laws.
“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 ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Michael Rose. “By training and supporting our 287(g) 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.”
Among those arrested was Sagar Singh from India. Singh was apprehended on January 8 under Operation ICE Wall for commercial vehicle violations after failing to stop at a mandatory brake check station; he had previously been ordered removed from the U.S. Between January 5 and January 19, more than 25 individuals were arrested under this specific operation targeting commercial vehicle operators.
Another notable arrest included Ling Yan (also known as Yang Ning), a Chinese national convicted of two counts of endangering children in Ravenna County, Ohio. He also has a final order of removal. Other arrests during the surge included individuals convicted of child sex abuse and drug possession charges.
“The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has just completed a two-week operation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Tom Hansen. “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.
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.”
ICE officials stated that these results show how partnerships under section 287(g) allow local officers—after receiving ICE training—to help identify people who may pose risks or have violated immigration rules.
“I want to thank the men and women of ICE for their outstanding partnership with various state entities, including the State Police, and their tireless work here in West Virginia,” said Gov. Patrick Morrisey. “Through our collaboration under the 287(g) program, they have removed dangerous illegal immigrants from our communities and made our state safer for families and law-abiding citizens. After years of Biden's reckless border policies putting the public at risk, it is encouraging to work with President Trump and ICE to secure our homeland and deliver real results for West Virginians.”
“This operation, which resulted in 650 arrests, reflects the strength of collaboration among local, state and federal partners; I am proud to stand alongside our law enforcement agencies to ensure federal laws are enforced and justice is served,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of West Virginia Matthew L. Harvey.
“The dedication shown by our state and local law enforcement partners during this operation reflects the very best of West Virginia,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia Moore Capito. “This operation resulted in the removal of more than 650 individuals who were in violation of federal law. I’m proud to stand alongside our law enforcement partners as we continue to protect our communities and maintain the integrity of our nation’s system of laws.”
