U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested more than 650 individuals who entered the United States illegally during a two-week statewide operation across West Virginia from January 5 to January 19, 2026.
The effort involved ICE agents working with 14 federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Arrests were made in cities including Charleston, Martinsburg, Beckley, Moorefield, Morgantown, and Huntington.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia Acting Field Office Director Michael Rose stated the operation underscored the importance of 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.”
Detainees included individuals with prior convictions for child sex abuse, drug possession, and other criminal offenses. Jefferson County Sheriff Tom Hansen praised the agents’ 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,” he said.
The operation contrasted sharply with recent events in Minnesota, where ICE operations faced disruption by agitators and state officials, resulting in violence and two fatal shootings. Vice President J.D. Vance, during a January 2026 visit to Minneapolis, attributed the chaos to “far-left agitators” and uncooperative local officials.
