ICE says ‘Operation Country Roads’ netted more than 650 arrests in West Virginia during two-week sweep
ICE’s two-week ‘Operation Country Roads’ resulted in more than 650 arrests across West Virginia, Jan. 5–19, 2026, using local agencies trained under 287(g) to target individuals with prior removal orders and national-security concerns.
- Operation Country Roads650 arrests statewide, with more than 550 assisted by 287(g)-trained local agencies.
- Two-week sweep ran Jan. 5–19, 2026 and included coordinated action in cities such as Charleston and Morgantown.
- Multiagency effort: 14 federal, state and local partners participated; officials emphasized training, capacity-building and public-safety priorities.
Operation details
ICE deployed specialized Enforcement and Removal Operations teams alongside West Virginia agencies trained under 287(g) to identify people with prior removal orders, criminal convictions and those deemed threats to public safety or national security. Officials described the surge as both an enforcement action and a hands-on training and capacity-building mission, designed to expand local ability to process immigration cases under federal supervision.
Arrest numbers and composition
Federal and state statements reported more than 650 arrests across the state during Jan. 5–19, 2026, with West Virginia law enforcement assisting on over 550 of those cases through 287(g) participation. Officials said arrests included individuals with drug convictions, sex-offense convictions and persons subject to prior removal orders.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted West Virginia agencies led the nation in daily immigration arrests among jurisdictions participating in 287(g) on at least four days during the operation.
Notable cases cited by authorities
- Sagar Singh — arrested Jan. 8 after an unsafe commercial-vehicle incident; ICE said he had a prior removal order.
- Ling Yan (Yang Ning) — arrested Jan. 11; ICE said he had prior convictions in Ohio and a final removal order.
- Officials also highlighted arrests including a convicted child sex offender and individuals with drug-possession convictions; full case files were not released in joint statements.
Law enforcement perspective and training
State Police Superintendent Col. Jim Mitchell said troopers assisted ICE on roughly 250 arrests since September and reported they did not identify people who were not in violation of law during that period. ICE framed the operation as evidence that partnerships with 287(g)-trained local agencies can enhance public safety and the integrity of the immigration system — a point emphasized by Michael Rose, acting field office director for ICE ERO in Philadelphia (statement).
Legal context: 287(g) expansion in West Virginia
In August 2025 Governor Patrick Morrisey signed a memorandum of agreement with ICE to authorize expanded 287(g) training and cooperation. By the close of Operation Country Roads, 25 West Virginia law enforcement entities — including three state-level and 11 county or local agencies in the Southern District — had entered 287(g) agreements, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Public reaction and protest note
Federal statements noted the operation proceeded “without protests”. Media reports and official releases did not detail organized public pushback during the two-week surge; law enforcement emphasized coordination and community safety as priorities (agency release).
Investigative questions and gaps
Public records and agency releases present large-scale figures and a sample of notable cases, but several details remain unclear:
- The precise breakdown of charges and immigration violations for the full group of 650-plus arrests has not been published publicly (U.S. Attorney’s Office release).
- It is not yet clear how many arrested individuals will face criminal prosecution versus civil immigration removal proceedings (news report).
- Long-term resource implications for local agencies that expanded 287(g) roles — training costs, oversight burdens and potential legal liabilities — have not been fully detailed (report).
Why the operation matters
For law enforcement and many residents, Operation Country Roads demonstrates how 287(g) partnerships can increase arrests of individuals ICE describes as safety or security risks while allowing state and local agencies to play a larger role in immigration enforcement. Officials framed the effort as professional, legal and necessary to protect communities, and leaders said the surge shows decentralized enforcement can be effective in rural and small-city settings (press release; coverage).
Implications for Paso Robles, California
Distant operations often carry direct lessons for communities like Paso Robles. Key considerations for local leaders and residents include:
- Economic impact: Paso Robles depends on agriculture, tourism and small business. A similar local surge could disrupt seasonal labor supply and affect farm and hospitality employers (U.S. Attorney’s Office).
- Public safety and capacity: Training local officers under 287(g) can increase arrests of people with prior convictions or removal orders, but leaders must weigh benefits against training, oversight and community trust costs (report).
- Political consequences: The operation reinforces arguments for stronger local involvement in immigration enforcement among conservative constituencies, and could pressure local elected officials on policy stances (coverage).
- Community relations: Expanding 287(g) can strain trust between immigrant communities and police; transparency, oversight and clear protocols are vital to maintain reporting of crime and social cohesion (analysis).
- Practical steps: City councils and county supervisors should review memoranda with federal agencies, budget for training and consult businesses and nonprofits before expanding enforcement roles.
Locations and partners
The operation included activity in Charleston, Martinsburg, Beckley, Moorefield, Morgantown and Huntington, and involved 14 federal, state and local law enforcement partners.
Sources and further reading
- Fox News: ICE arrests over 650 across West Virginia
- U.S. Attorney’s Office press release
- WV MetroNews reporting
Reporting by Times Media Service; sources as noted above.
