Governor Updates State ICE Partnership with Federal Enforcement

(WEST VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES) West Virginia officials say the state’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is producing steady results, with 60 arrests tied to immigration issues since the arrangement began. Governor Patrick Morrisey said 23 arrests took place in early October alone, including 18 in a single Saturday linked to traffic enforcement tied to Bridge Day events near the New River Gorge Bridge.

Officials described the push as part of the state’s participation in the ICE 287(g) program, which lets trained state and local officers perform certain federal immigration duties under ICE supervision.

How the partnership operates

Under the arrangement, the West Virginia State Police, the Department of Corrections, and the National Guard are cooperating with ICE on specific tasks. State leaders argue this approach helps them:

• Identify people already in custody who may be removable under federal law.
• Take action during field operations when public safety concerns arise.
• Improve coordination for custody transfer to federal authorities.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, similar partnerships across the country have grown in recent years as states pursue different responses to migration, public safety, and local resource concerns.

October activity: Bridge Day and traffic enforcement

Officials described October’s activity as a focused push tied to large public events and roadway checks. The state highlighted traffic enforcement around Bridge Day—one of West Virginia’s largest annual gatherings—as a moment when officers encountered several people with possible immigration issues during routine stops.

While many attendees were families and tourists, law enforcement said these checks also revealed cases that required referrals to federal partners. In internal briefings, leaders referred to “bridge-focused operations” and “special duty near major crossings,” mirroring how some agencies label such details as Bridgeport/Bridge (traffic enforcement) when describing event-area patrols near a bridge.

Key takeaway: Large gatherings and roadway checkpoints can concentrate law enforcement resources and sometimes reveal individuals with prior immigration issues or pending federal actions.

Policy context and state priorities

Governor Patrick Morrisey has linked the partnership to broader public safety goals, saying the state aims to address immigration violations and related drug threats simultaneously. The administration argues that pairing state officers with federal direction:

• Improves coordination and reduces gaps in custody transfer.
• Ensures people who pose risks do not slip through after initial arrests.
• Provides structure and training via the 287(g) framework so local teams follow federal standards.

For readers unfamiliar with the program: ICE’s 287(g) authority allows selected state and local officers to carry out defined immigration officer functions after completing ICE training and operating under ICE oversight. This can occur inside jails or in limited field roles to:

• Identify noncitizens who may be removable.
• Start paperwork for immigration processes.
• Coordinate with federal agents for detention or handoff.

More detail on the framework is available on ICE’s official page for the [287(g) Program], which explains the types of agreements, training, and accountability measures that apply.

Supporters’ arguments and community concerns

Supporters say the approach brings consistency to how officers handle people encountered during routine stops or after arrests on state charges—particularly when a person may have prior removal orders or pending federal warrants. They also argue it eases pressure on federal agents who cannot be everywhere at once.

Skeptics in immigrant communities worry about:

• Overreach or racial profiling.
• Confusion and fear during traffic stops, especially around large events.
• Reduced willingness to seek public services or cooperate with police.

West Virginia officials stress that activity remains under ICE direction and that state officers must meet training and agreement terms.

National context: contrasting state models

West Virginia’s update comes as other states take different approaches:

• Wyoming (July 2025): Formalized an enforcement agreement placing the Wyoming Highway Patrol in closer contact with ICE for immigration referrals and custody transfers.
• Florida: Supports weekly deportation flights from Tallahassee, aiming to speed federal removals for people with final orders.
• California: Under Governor Gavin Newsom, laws limit federal immigration enforcement tactics around sensitive places. Protections include:
  • Judicial warrants required for operations on school campuses.
  • Clear identification requirements for federal officers.

These diverging models show how immigration enforcement can vary sharply by state. Some emphasize active cooperation with federal authorities (West Virginia, Wyoming, Florida), while others prioritize community trust and limits on cooperation unless court orders are present (California).

Local impacts and practical guidance

In West Virginia, officials say the 60 arrests since the partnership began include a mix of traffic-related encounters and jail-based screenings. The spike around Bridge Day—18 arrests in a single day—illustrates how large events can concentrate resources and reveal people with prior immigration issues.

Officials have not released a public breakdown of how many arrests involved suspected trafficking, distribution, or other criminal conduct beyond immigration charges.

Community advocates emphasize transparency and support measures:

• Regular public reporting and audits of 287(g) activities.
• Accessible complaint channels and clear accountability.
• Consistent training for officers on interacting with people who speak limited English.
• Guidance from faith groups and service providers about what to expect during roadside interactions and where to find legal help.

For employers and schools near Bridge Day corridors, the October push is a reminder to:

• Plan for delays during large events.
• Brief staff, students, and families on travel logistics.
• Encourage carrying basic identification (but not fraudulent documents).
• Seek legal counsel if interactions shift from traffic matters to immigration questions.

Legal counsel often suggest carrying basic ID and, when applicable, copies of pending court notices, while advising against presenting fraudulent documents or volunteering extra information during stops.

What to watch next

As the debate continues, West Virginia leaders will likely balance public safety claims with concerns about fairness and due process. The coming months may bring more data on outcomes, including:

• How many arrests lead to federal charges or removals.
• The number of case closures tied to 287(g) referrals.
• Whether state-federal partnerships change behavior at community events or affect local police-community relations.

VisaVerge.com reports that observers nationwide are tracking whether these partnerships alter where people choose to travel or how communities interact with law enforcement.

Current snapshot: The state’s update — centered on 23 October arrests and an 18-arrest Saturday tied to Bridge Day traffic — highlights how a single weekend of bridge-area enforcement can influence a broader discussion about the role of state officers in federal immigration work.