ICE arrests West Virginia: ‘Operation Country Roads’ nets more than 650 arrests in two-week statewide sweep
From Jan. 5–19, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a coordinated two‑week sweep, Operation Country Roads, across West Virginia, resulting in more than 650 arrests — over 550 made with 287(g) partner agencies.
Key takeaways
- Operation Country Roads was carried out Jan. 5–19, 2026 and resulted in a statewide enforcement surge.
- More than 650 arrests statewide, with over 550 of those made via 287(g) partnerships.
- Teams were deployed to cities including Charleston, Martinsburg, Beckley, Moorefield, Morgantown and Huntington.
- 14 federal, state and local partners joined the operation; West Virginia now lists 25 entities participating in its 287(g) program.
Operation details and arrests
ICE said the agency coordinated closely with state police, county sheriffs, municipal police departments and federal partners for what officials described as a focused effort to remove people in the country illegally who were alleged to pose threats to public safety or national security.
Teams were deployed across the state, including Charleston, Martinsburg, Beckley, Moorefield, Morgantown and Huntington, according to local reporting and agency statements.
Highlighted cases
Federal and local officials emphasized a range of alleged offenses among those arrested — from drug possession to sex‑related offenses and endangering children. The U.S. Attorney’s Office reported that eight people faced federal immigration‑related charges following search warrants at a Nitro business and residence on Jan. 16.
U.S. Attorney’s Office: the operation uncovered individuals with criminal convictions and led to federal charges in some cases.
Local reporting and the Justice Department named specific defendants in coverage, including Sagar Singh (an Indian national linked to an unsafe tractor‑trailer matter) and Ling Yan / Yang Ning (a Chinese national reported with a prior conviction in Ohio for endangering children).
Role and expansion of the West Virginia 287(g) program
The 287(g) program permits state and local officers to carry out certain immigration enforcement functions under ICE supervision. West Virginia officials say 25 local and state entities now participate, including the West Virginia State Police, the National Guard and the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, alongside multiple county sheriff’s offices and municipal departments (Justice Department release).
Officials noted the program expanded following Governor Patrick Morrisey’s August 2025 Memorandum of Agreement and executive order directing increased state cooperation in immigration enforcement. Since September 2025, state police reported assisting in roughly 250 ICE arrests, according to local statements.
Official statements
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Acting Field Office Director Michael Rose said the sweep demonstrated how partnerships “strengthen public safety and the integrity of the immigration system.” He added: “By training and supporting our 287(g) partners across the state, we’ve expanded local capacity to identify, arrest, and process illegal aliens while ensuring these authorities are exercised professionally and consistent with the law.”
U.S. Attorney Moore Capito characterized the operation as showing West Virginia law enforcement’s “strength, discipline, and resolve.” Governor Patrick Morrisey praised the work as removing dangerous criminals from communities (Justice Department release; WJLA).
Media coverage and watchdog perspectives
State and national outlets, including WJLA, WV Metro News and local TV coverage summarized the operation and arrest totals.
Mountain State Spotlight, a local investigative outlet, confirmed the 650 arrest figure but raised constitutional concerns and noted that some detained immigrants are pursuing legal claims, including asylum or residency challenges.
Public order during the operation
ICE and local officials reported the two‑week sweep proceeded without protests during the operation. Organizers later planned two weekend rallies: “Take Down The Tyrants” in Huntington and “ICE Out of Everywhere” in Putnam County, according to coverage.
Implications for Los Angeles, California
Though the operation occurred in West Virginia, officials and analysts note several likely indirect effects for large immigrant‑population regions such as Los Angeles:
- Economic: actions like this can affect labor markets by increasing worker and employer caution; businesses that rely on immigrant labor (construction, hospitality, agriculture) may see staffing instability. Employers should review I‑9 compliance and seek legal advice.
- Political: the sweep underscores federal‑state cooperation and may shape debates in California over sanctuary policies and state‑federal authority.
- Social: fear among immigrant communities can reduce crime reporting and access to services; legal‑aid and community groups may see higher demand for know‑your‑rights outreach.
- Cultural and practical steps: community organizations, schools and employers in Los Angeles should prepare outreach, ensure access to immigration legal resources, and advise families to prepare emergency plans and custody arrangements if enforcement affects relatives.
Sources and further reading
- WJLA
- WV Metro News
- U.S. Attorney, Southern District of West Virginia press release
- WCHS‑TV
- Mountain State Spotlight
- KATV
Reporting note: This article draws on federal and local law enforcement statements, Justice Department releases and local news coverage documenting Operation Country Roads and the expanding West Virginia 287(g) program.
