West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey is spotlighting stepped-up immigration enforcement across the state after a new wave of arrests along major highways. State officials say that since the beginning of October, authorities have taken 23 alleged undocumented immigrants into custody, including 18 arrests in a single Saturday. That flurry of activity pushes the total to 60 arrests since the state began concentrated operations along Interstates I‑77 and I‑79 more than a month ago, part of a plan Governor Morrisey says is aimed at public safety and drug crime concerns.
Recent enforcement numbers and operations
State leaders emphasize the concentrated nature of the highway operations and cite these October figures:
– 23 arrests since the month began
– 18 arrests recorded on one Saturday
– 60 total arrests since the highway-focused operations started
Troopers are conducting stops tied to traffic violations and broader drug interdiction efforts along I‑77 and I‑79. The governor’s office links these operations to concerns about fentanyl and other narcotics moving through the state.
The role of ICE 287(g)
According to officials, the West Virginia State Police are partnering with federal officials under the ICE 287(g) Program. This program:
– Allows trained state and local officers to carry out certain federal immigration functions under ICE supervision.
– Is intended to identify and process people who may be removable under federal law while keeping criminal charges moving through local courts.
– Includes training, supervision, and federal oversight to ensure local officers follow immigration law and civil‑rights rules when performing tasks such as database checks, issuing detainers, or initiating immigration charging paperwork.
The administration says the arrangement has helped speed up checks during traffic stops and targeted interdiction along the interstates. The state emphasizes that individuals still face the usual criminal justice process for any state offenses; a 287(g) screen can, however, lead to transfer to federal custody if ICE issues an immigration hold.
For background, see ICE’s official program page: ICE 287(g) Program.
Policy and legislative context
State policy moves set the stage for this enforcement push:
– In January, Governor Morrisey signed an executive order directing state agencies to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal law enforcement.
– In August, state law enforcement agencies entered memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with ICE.
These actions are described by state leaders as consistent with policies initiated under the Trump administration. The 287(g) partnerships have continued under both the Trump and Biden administrations, providing a framework for state identification of people who may face immigration charges after local arrests.
House Bill 3004
- Introduced: February 2025
- Provisions:
- Would create new crimes and procedures tied to illegal entry into West Virginia
- Would establish record‑keeping rules and immunity provisions for enforcement officials acting under the law
- Could include steps that lead to deportation actions
Supporters say HB 3004 would give local agencies clearer authority and procedures, particularly in cases that begin with state charges and later involve federal immigration issues. Critics — including defense attorneys and community groups — warn the bill could strain courts and jails and raise due process concerns if not carefully implemented.
Economic impact and detention arrangements
There is a direct budget impact from the enforcement activity:
– West Virginia jails are renting beds to ICE to hold immigrant detainees, generating at least $330,000 so far.
– County officials say the revenue helps cover rising corrections costs.
Counterpoints from immigrant advocates:
– Longer detention far from families can complicate legal defense.
– Detention places added pressure on children and caregivers who suddenly lose a breadwinner to custody.
Community effects and practical guidance
Community impact is unfolding in real time. Reported effects include:
– Families with mixed immigration status changing routines — fewer long drives, more reliance on carpools, and careful planning around court dates and medical appointments.
– Employers in construction and service industries reporting last‑minute absences that ripple through small crews.
– Schools and faith groups fielding questions about next steps if a parent is detained.
Attorneys and advocates offer these practical steps:
1. If you have valid immigration documents, keep them nearby.
2. If you lack documents, know your rights during a stop:
– The right to remain silent
– The right to ask for a lawyer
3. Families should prepare contact lists including:
– An attorney
– A trusted friend for child pickup
– A plan for housing and bill payments
4. Workers should:
– Check with supervisors about emergency contacts
– Have a simple backup schedule for small businesses
5. Faith and community groups can:
– Keep resource sheets current
– Offer rides to court or organize legal clinics
Important: Under 287(g) agreements, ICE provides training and oversight designed to reduce errors and prevent confusion between civil immigration matters and criminal cases. Still, a minor traffic stop can become consequential if it leads to a federal detainer and transfer to ICE custody.
Ongoing questions and concerns
As enforcement continues, several issues remain under watch:
– The path and fate of HB 3004 in the legislature.
– How many more local agencies might join the ICE 287(g) Program.
– Sheriff and police chief concerns about:
– Jail capacity
– Transport time to federal facilities
– Workload for prosecutors and public defenders
– Defense lawyer calls for clear court guidance and consistent access to interpreters.
Both proponents and critics recognize the long‑term stakes:
– Governor Morrisey’s office frames the actions as a response to community safety and drug trafficking corridors.
– Civil‑rights groups argue that heavy reliance on highway stops can sweep up people whose only issue is immigration status and discourage victims and witnesses from contacting police.
Both sides agree the policy choices made this year — executive orders, MOUs with ICE, and bills like HB 3004 — will shape how immigration enforcement looks across West Virginia for months to come.
This Article in a Nutshell
West Virginia has stepped up immigration enforcement along Interstates I‑77 and I‑79, reporting 23 arrests since early October and 60 arrests since concentrated operations began more than a month ago. The State Police are cooperating with ICE under the 287(g) program, enabling trained state officers to carry out immigration screening under federal supervision. The state has leased jail beds to ICE, generating at least $330,000 in revenue. Policy moves include a January executive order and August memoranda of understanding with ICE; HB 3004, introduced in February 2025, would create new state crimes and procedures related to illegal entry. Supporters argue these measures enhance public safety and drug interdiction, while critics raise due‑process, court capacity, and community impacts. Authorities and advocates are advising families and workers on practical steps, such as keeping documents accessible, knowing rights during stops, and preparing emergency contact plans. Ongoing issues include jail capacity, legal safeguards, interpreter access, and the legislative fate of HB 3004.
