U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested more than 650 undocumented immigrants across West Virginia during a two-week enforcement operation conducted in coordination with state and local law enforcement agencies, federal officials said.
The operation ran from 5 to 19 January and involved 14 federal, state and local agencies, according to an ICE statement released on Sunday. Enforcement teams were deployed to Charleston, Martinsburg, Beckley, Moorefield, Morgantown and Huntington.
ICE said those arrested included individuals with criminal convictions as well as others who had entered the United States unlawfully. Officials said some of those detained were considered threats to public safety or national security.
“This operation demonstrates how strong partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and the integrity of our immigration system,” said Michael Rose, acting field office director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Philadelphia. He said the operation expanded local capacity to identify, arrest and process undocumented immigrants while remaining consistent with the law.
Among those arrested was Sagar Singh, a citizen of India, who was detained on 8 January during a traffic stop targeting commercial vehicles. ICE said Singh was pulled over after failing to stop at a mandatory brake inspection station and was cited for multiple vehicle safety violations. Authorities said he had previously been ordered removed from the US.
ICE said more than 25 people were arrested as part of “Operation ICE Wall,” a component of the broader enforcement effort focused on commercial vehicle violations.
Another individual arrested was Ling Yan, a Chinese national also known as Yang Ning, who ICE said had been convicted of two counts of endangering the welfare of children in Ohio and had a final order of removal.
ICE also reported arresting a convicted child sex offender, individuals with drug-related convictions and others with criminal histories during the operation.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was among the local agencies that assisted ICE. Sheriff Tom Hansen praised the operation, citing what he described as the professionalism of the federal agents and their cooperation with local authorities.
“We are gratified that through this program, numerous dangerous criminals have been removed from our community,” Hansen said.
ICE said the operation concluded without public protests.
