Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests across West Virginia exceeded 650 illegal aliens during a coordinated two-week enforcement operation that surprised critics and drew praise from local law enforcement. ICE arrests occurred without protests and involved extensive cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies, according to federal officials.
ICE announced the results Sunday, stating the operation ran from Jan. 5 through Jan. 19. Fourteen federal, state, and local law enforcement partners participated. ICE teams deployed to Charleston, Martinsburg, Beckley, Moorefield, Morgantown, and Huntington as part of the statewide effort. Officials said those arrested included individuals posing threats to public safety and national security, along with others who entered the country illegally.
“This operation demonstrates how strong partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and the integrity of our immigration system,” ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Michael Rose said. “By training and supporting our… 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.”
One enforcement focus involved illegal aliens operating commercial vehicles. On Jan. 8, ICE arrested Sagar Singh, a citizen of India, after a traffic stop for failing to stop at a mandatory brake check station. Singh received multiple citations for vehicle safety violations. ICE stated he had previously been ordered removed from the United States. Singh was among more than 25 illegal aliens arrested during Operation ICE Wall.
ICE also arrested Ling Yan, a citizen of China also known as Yang Ning, who was previously convicted of two counts of endangering the welfare of children in Ravenna, Ohio. Officials confirmed arrests of a convicted child sex abuser, individuals with drug possession convictions, and other offenders with criminal histories.
Local officials credited cooperation for the results. Jefferson County Sheriff Tom Hansen said, “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.” He added, “We are also gratified that through this program, we have had the opportunity to remove numerous dangerous criminals from our community.”
ICE officials emphasized that the operation strengthened enforcement capacity while maintaining lawful procedures.
