ICE arrests over 650 illegal immigrants in West Virginia enforcement operation

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced that over a two-week span in January, ICE Philadelphia, in partnership with local law enforcement, arrested over 650 illegal immigrants in West Virginia.

Per a press release from the agency, ICE Philadelphia said that surge teams were deployed to Beckley, Charleston, Huntington, Martinsburg, Moorefield, and Morgantown as part of the operations. In total, the statewide surge included 14 of the agency’s 287(g) partners in the state. The operation took place between January 5 and January 19.

ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Michael Rose said in a statement, "This operation demonstrates how strong partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and the integrity of our immigration system. 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 taken into custody is Sagar Singh, an Indian national, who was arrested on January 8 and had previously been ordered to be removed. He was taken into custody as part of Operation ICE Wall, which targets illegal immigrants operating commercial vehicles. He was stopped by authorities after failing to stop for a mandatory brake check station and was cited for a number of commercial vehicle infractions. Over 35 illegal immigrants were arrested as part of the commercial vehicle operation. 

Chinese national Ling Yan, also known as Yang Ning, was taken into custody on January 11. He previously was convicted of two counts of endangering the welfare of a child in Ohio and was a final order of removal. Also arrested as part of the operation were convicted child sex abusers and a convicted child sex abuser and an illegal immigrant who had been convicted of drug possession charges.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said, "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. 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."