Philadelphia, PA (JK) – More than 650 people accused of violating U.S. immigration laws were arrested during a two-week enforcement surge across West Virginia, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
ICE Philadelphia led the operation from January 5th through the 19th, working with 14 local and state law enforcement partners through the agency’s 287(g) program. Surge teams were deployed to Martinsburg, Moorefield, Morgantown, Beckley, Huntington and Charleston.
Officials say many of those arrested had prior criminal convictions or previous removal orders. Among them were a commercial truck driver previously ordered deported who was cited for multiple vehicle safety violations, and a Chinese national convicted in Ohio of child endangerment. ICE also reported arrests of individuals with convictions for child sex offenses and drug crimes.
The 287(g) program allows local officers, under ICE training and supervision, to assist with identifying and processing people suspected of immigration violations. Law enforcement leaders said the partnerships help expand resources and improve public safety.
State and federal officials credited the joint effort with removing what they described as dangerous offenders from communities. ICE says it plans to continue similar cooperative operations across the state.
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