United States Attorney Moore Capito has announced the results of “Operation Country Roads,” a 15-day immigration enforcement effort led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across West Virginia. The operation, which ended on January 19, 2026, resulted in 650 arrests statewide.
Of those arrested, more than 550 were apprehended with the help of West Virginia law enforcement agencies participating in the federal 287(g) program. During at least four days of the operation, these agencies recorded the highest daily number of immigration arrests among all U.S. participants in the program.
Capito stated, “This operation is a clear demonstration of the strength, discipline, and resolve of our state and local law enforcement partners. We are delivering on our promise to the people of West Virginia: the law will be enforced. I stand unequivocally with the men and women of law enforcement who put in long hours and do the difficult work required to protect our communities, defend the rule of law, and preserve the integrity of our nation’s legal system.”
The 287(g) program allows designated state and local officers to perform certain immigration officer duties under ICE supervision. Currently, 25 West Virginia law enforcement entities have agreements to participate in this program, including three state-level agencies and several county sheriff’s offices and police departments within the Southern District of West Virginia.
Law enforcement targeted individuals believed to pose threats to national security or public safety or those found violating U.S. immigration laws. Several arrested during Operation Country Roads have prior convictions for offenses such as child sex abuse, drug possession, or endangering children.
Michael Rose, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia, commented on collaboration between ICE and local agencies: “This operation demonstrates how strong partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and the integrity of our immigration system. 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.”
While most cases involved administrative proceedings leading to removal from the country, some arrests resulted in federal criminal charges within the Southern District of West Virginia. Eight individuals face charges after federal search warrants were executed at a business and residence in Nitro on January 16.
Among state-level participants in Operation Country Roads were the West Virginia State Police; National Guard; Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation; sheriff’s offices from Cabell, Fayette, McDowell, Nicholas, Putnam, Wood counties; as well as police departments from Fayetteville, Hurricane, Oak Hill, Richwood, Summersville.
Putnam County Sheriff Bobby Eggleton said: “The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is always proud to assist our federal partners in the enforcement of the law. Illegal immigrant enforcement actions are a way to make our communities safer and that is my ultimate goal and responsibility.”
Cabell County Sheriff Doug Adams added: “I appreciate and support our federal law enforcement officers and our involvement to work toward a common goal of safely protecting Cabell County. By participating in this campaign we have been able to successfully assist in removing dangerous fugitives. As always we remain committed to protecting our citizens both native born and legal immigrants who call our community home.”
The United States Attorney’s Office for Southern District participated as part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration as well as targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
