by David Lindfield
Federal immigration authorities have announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested more than 650 illegal aliens across West Virginia during a major two-week statewide operation.
Operation ICE Wall was conducted in coordination with local law enforcement agencies.
According to a press release issued Sunday, the operation ran from January 5 through January 19.
It involved 14 federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.
ICE deployed enforcement teams to Charleston, Martinsburg, Beckley, Moorefield, Morgantown, and Huntington as part of the coordinated effort.
Officials said the operation resulted in the arrest of more than 650 illegal aliens.
Those arrested include individuals who pose threats to public safety and national security, as well as others who entered the country illegally.
In a statement, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia Acting Field Office Director Michael Rose said:
“This operation demonstrates how strong partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and the integrity of our immigration system.”
“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 arrest highlighted by ICE occurred on January 8 as part of Operation ICE Wall, which targeted illegal aliens operating commercial vehicles.
Sagar Singh, a citizen of India, was pulled over after failing to stop at a mandatory brake-check station.