Key Takeaways
- On February 7, 2025, Governor Morrisey signed intent for West Virginia to join ICE’s 287(g) Program, its first participation.
- The program authorizes trained state officers to assist ICE in immigration enforcement, with a Memorandum of Understanding set as the next step.
- West Virginia correctional facilities held 72 illegal immigrants as of February 2025, highlighting expected deportation and enforcement increases under new measures.
Governor Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia 🇺🇸 has formalized a plan to work closely with federal immigration authorities, marking a pivotal shift in the state’s approach to immigration enforcement. On February 7, 2025, Morrisey took the significant step of signing a letter of intent for West Virginia to participate in the 287(g) Program. This federal initiative allows selected state and local law enforcement officers to assist with specific immigration duties under the oversight of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Morrisey’s move represents the first time West Virginia has engaged with this program, indicating a heightened focus on addressing illegal immigration within the state.
The 287(g) Program was established under the Immigration and Nationality Act as a mechanism for federal authorities, specifically the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to collaborate with state and local law enforcement. Through this partnership, non-federal law enforcement officers can be authorized to perform certain immigration-related tasks after undergoing proper training. For West Virginia, correctional officers would take on duties such as transferring individuals suspected of entering or staying in the United States illegally to ICE facilities. By signing the letter of intent, Morrisey has set the stage for a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ICE, a crucial step to cement the state’s participation.
One of Morrisey’s stated goals with this agreement is to allow ICE agents to concentrate fully on critical responsibilities tied to national security. Additionally, he expects this partnership to speed up the deportation of individuals in state custody who have violated immigration laws. As of February 7, 2025, West Virginia correctional facilities held 72 illegal immigrants, including at least 13 individuals serving sentences for crimes committed in the United States. Among them was at least one individual convicted of murder. Another 36 detainees faced criminal charges related to immigration offenses, such as re-entering the U.S. after a prior deportation. These numbers highlight the practical implications of the 287(g) Program for the state.
Complementing the 287(g) initiative, Governor Morrisey has issued a broader executive order as of January 30, 2025, directing all state entities, from law enforcement to corrections agencies, to work closely with ICE. Specifically, this order emphasizes clear communication and operational alignment between state and federal actions. State and local agencies received letters from Morrisey urging them to comply with federal policies addressing illegal immigration. In these letters, Morrisey referred to President Trump’s Executive Order “Securing our Borders,” committing West Virginia to play a proactive role in protecting its residents from criminal activities often associated with illegal immigration.
West Virginia’s enhanced collaboration with ICE extends to participation in the Warrant Service Officer Program, an initiative that allows authorized state and local officers to execute ICE administrative warrants. This ability enables law enforcement to assist in detaining individuals suspected of immigration violations, streamlining enforcement procedures within the state. Together, these measures mark a greater alignment between West Virginia and federal immigration authorities under the Trump administration’s policies.
Illustrating the broader context of the 287(g) Program’s reach, it is noteworthy that as of December 2024, only 11 states—such as Arizona 🇺🇸, Florida 🇺🇸, and Texas 🇺🇸—had law enforcement agencies participating in the program. West Virginia’s entry will mark the twelfth state to join this initiative. Governor Morrisey lauded the program’s potential to address what he described as pressing state-level concerns stemming from illegal immigration. “For all those who keep saying that illegal immigration doesn’t touch on West Virginia, you’re dead wrong,” he asserted during a press conference, making clear his belief in the relevance of immigration issues to the state.
Morrisey has also tied immigration enforcement to combating other challenges, pointing specifically to the local fentanyl crisis. In his January executive order, Morrissey connected the proliferation of fentanyl in West Virginia communities to drug trafficking networks that exploit the southern U.S. border. Citing statistics from the previous year, Morrisey highlighted that fentanyl accounted for the majority of overdose-related deaths in the state, an issue he has vowed to tackle aggressively. He also pledged to hold accountable those participating in trafficking and other criminal activities linked to illegal immigration.
The governor has been an avid supporter of President Trump’s immigration policies, expressing deep appreciation for the administration’s approach to addressing illegal immigration. During a public statement on January 30, 2025, Morrisey said, “I am so thankful that we have President Trump in the White House. President Trump has actually taken on this illegal immigration problem, he’s taken the bull by the horns and he is acting. And West Virginia is going to partner with President Trump.” According to Morrisey, recent apprehensions by ICE demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated local and federal efforts under these policies. As of January 30, 2025, West Virginia reported a total of 72 ICE detainees, 53 of whom were apprehended after January 20, 2025, coinciding with the start of President Trump’s new term.
As West Virginia lays the groundwork for its 287(g) Program participation, key elements of the implementation process are likely to become the focus. The MOU with ICE represents the next step, after which selected state officers will receive training tailored to federal immigration procedures. Once deployed, these officers will operate as extensions of ICE under clear guidelines, ensuring adherence to federal statutes while preserving ICE’s oversight authority. Such arrangements are expected to improve resource allocation, as state officers performing transport or detention-related tasks will free up ICE agents for more specialized work such as investigations and border security operations.
Despite the intended benefits, the 287(g) Program has often been a polarizing topic. Advocates of the initiative view it as a necessary tool to address the growing challenges posed by illegal immigration. They argue that state and local governments bear significant responsibilities in maintaining law and order and that partnerships like this are mutually beneficial. However, immigrant rights organizations have frequently criticized the program, warning that its implementation can lead to discriminatory practices and strained community relations. These groups have also raised concerns over the lack of accountability mechanisms within some 287(g) partnerships in other states. Although no legal challenges have yet been brought against West Virginia’s application, the potential exists, based on precedents in other jurisdictions.
Morrisey’s directives, along with the signed letter of intent, prompt several direct implications for individuals and organizations in West Virginia. For those residing in the state without valid immigration documents, the stepped-up role of local officers in identifying and detaining unauthorized immigrants may elevate personal risk. Employers, too, must remain vigilant about compliance with hiring laws, as state authorities expand their involvement in immigration-related enforcement. Those leading organizations that advocate for immigrant rights may also mobilize in response, particularly if they perceive unfair treatment or improper enforcement of federal and state laws.
It is clear that Morrisey’s commitment to the 287(g) Program and similar measures underscores the priority his administration has placed on this issue. While it remains to be seen how West Virginia’s immigrant communities will respond, state law enforcement officials are preparing for a larger role in tackling immigration enforcement matters. With the backing of Trump’s administration, Governor Patrick Morrisey’s actions highlight a significant realignment in how immigration enforcement responsibilities are shared between the federal government and participating states.
For further details about the 287(g) Program, readers may visit the official page on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website at 287(g) Program Overview. It provides exhaustive information on eligibility criteria, program objectives, and enforcement outcomes.
In summary, Governor Patrick Morrisey’s initiatives—including participation in the 287(g) Program and strengthened collaboration with ICE—point to a broader strategy to address illegal immigration within West Virginia. His leadership aligns closely with President Trump’s policies and underscores a commitment to safeguard state residents. Moving forward, the outcomes of these efforts will shape both immigration enforcement policies in the state and the lives of the affected individuals. For those impacted, seeking professional advice to understand these developments and their implications will be essential to navigating this evolving landscape.
Learn Today
287(g) Program → A federal program allowing state/local law enforcement to perform specific immigration duties under ICE oversight after training.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) → A formal agreement detailing roles and responsibilities between West Virginia and ICE for immigration enforcement.
Immigration and Nationality Act → U.S. legislation governing immigration law, including the establishment of programs like the 287(g) initiative.
Warrant Service Officer Program → An ICE initiative authorizing state/local officers to execute administrative warrants for immigration violations.
Fentanyl Crisis → A public health crisis involving synthetic opioid overdoses, linked to drug trafficking networks at the southern U.S. border.
This Article in a Nutshell
Governor Patrick Morrisey propels West Virginia into the 287(g) Program, partnering with ICE for sharper immigration enforcement. This marks a historic first for the state, aligning with President Trump’s policies. Advocates applaud improved border security, while critics warn of potential community tensions. The outcome? A pivotal shift reshaping immigration dynamics within West Virginia.
— By VisaVerge.com
