Over 600 Illegal Aliens Arrested in West Virginia ICE Surge

Two-week operation led by ICE Philadelphia resulted in multiple arrests across the state.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:55am

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The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency announced that more than 600 illegal aliens were arrested in West Virginia during a two-week surge operation earlier this month. The operation, led by ICE Philadelphia, involved teams deployed to cities across the state to identify, arrest, and process individuals who were deemed to present dangers to national security or public safety, or who had entered the U.S. illegally.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by ICE and local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws in West Virginia, which has led to protests from anti-ICE groups. The operation also demonstrates the state's cooperation with federal immigration authorities through 287(g) programs that train local officers to assist with identifying and removing illegal aliens.

The details

The two-week surge operation took place from January 5-19 and involved teams sent to cities including Charleston, Huntington, Martinsburg, Moorefield, Morgantown, and Beckley. Among those arrested were a man from India operating an unsafe tractor-trailer and a Chinese criminal illegal alien previously convicted in Ohio of endangering the welfare of children.

  • The ICE surge operation occurred from January 5-19, 2026.
  • Two anti-ICE protests are scheduled in West Virginia on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The players

ICE Philadelphia

The ICE field office that led the statewide surge operation in West Virginia.

Michael Rose

The acting Field Office Director of ICE Philadelphia.

Sagar Singh

A citizen of India arrested during the ICE surge for allegedly operating an unsafe tractor-trailer.

Ling Yan

Also known as Yang Ning, a Chinese criminal illegal alien previously convicted in Ohio of endangering the welfare of children and who had a final order of removal.

Patrick Morrisey

The Governor of West Virginia who signed a Memorandum of Agreement with ICE last August on the 287-G programs.

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What they’re saying

“This operation demonstrates how strong partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and the integrity of our immigration system.”

— Michael Rose, Acting Field Office Director, ICE Philadelphia

“We haven't apprehended anyone who has not been in violation of the law. We couldn't do that. We only apprehend those who are in violation of law. I know I can state that clearly for us.”

— Jim Mitchell, State Police Superintendent, West Virginia

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Sagar Singh, the Indian national arrested for operating an unsafe tractor-trailer, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This ICE surge operation in West Virginia highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement efforts and local anti-ICE activism, as the state continues to cooperate with ICE through 287(g) programs that train local law enforcement to assist with identifying and removing illegal aliens.