A sweeping two-week operation across West Virginia resulted in the apprehension of over 650 individuals by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, conducted in close collaboration with a network of local and state law enforcement agencies.
The operation, spanning January 5th to January 19th, involved fourteen federal, state, and local partners, deploying teams to key cities including Charleston, Martinsburg, and Huntington. Federal officials confirmed the operation proceeded without public demonstration, focusing intently on enforcement.
Among those arrested were individuals identified as potential threats to public safety and national security, alongside those who had entered the country without authorization. The focus wasn’t solely on border crossings, but on individuals already within the state.
A key component of the operation, dubbed “ICE Wall,” specifically targeted individuals operating commercial vehicles. This led to the arrest of Sagar Singh, an Indian citizen, after he failed to comply with a mandatory brake check station.
Singh faced multiple vehicle infractions, including operating an unsafe commercial vehicle, but the stop revealed a prior deportation order. He was among over twenty-five individuals apprehended specifically under the “ICE Wall” initiative.
The operation uncovered individuals with troubling pasts, including Ling Yan, a Chinese citizen with a prior conviction for endangering the welfare of children in Ohio. The arrests extended to a convicted child sex abuser and individuals with drug-related offenses.
Jefferson County Sheriff Tom Hansen lauded the professionalism and effectiveness of the ICE agents, emphasizing their positive interactions with both citizens and local officers. He highlighted the value of the partnership in enhancing community safety.
Sheriff Hansen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to remove “dangerous criminals” from the community, underscoring the tangible impact of the operation on local public safety. The collaborative effort demonstrated a shared commitment to upholding the law and protecting residents.
The operation’s success, according to officials, highlights the strength of partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement, bolstering both public safety and the integrity of the immigration system. It represents a focused effort to identify, arrest, and process individuals in violation of immigration laws.
