Federal immigration authorities working alongside West Virginia state and local law enforcement arrested roughly 650 individuals during a recent enforcement operation, officials said, highlighting what they described as a cooperative and orderly approach.
The multi-week effort involved coordination between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local agencies across the state. Officials said many of those taken into custody were identified as having criminal records or prior deportation orders, allowing agents to focus on targeted arrests rather than broad sweeps.
State leaders contrasted the operation with enforcement actions in other states that have led to public protests and disruptions, arguing that West Virginia’s willingness to work with federal authorities helped prevent chaos. They credited advance planning and communication among agencies for the smooth execution.
Authorities emphasized that the operation prioritized public safety and compliance with federal law. No significant incidents or large-scale demonstrations were reported during the enforcement period, according to officials.
The arrests have fueled broader debate over how states and local governments choose to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. West Virginia officials said the results show that collaboration can lead to effective outcomes without widespread unrest.