PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — West Virginia law enforcement, military, and corrections leaders will soon be trained up to assist the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement identify and remove illegal aliens found in West Virginia. Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with ICE on the 287-G programs during a visit the Parkersburg Correctional Center on Wednesday.
“The West Virginia National Guard, State Police, and Division of Corrections have signed memorandum of agreement with ICE to begin formal participation,” said Morrisey.
There are three 287-G program models They consist of the jail enforcement model, task force model, and warrant officer program. Under all three of the model, ICE trains local law enforcement or other appropriate personnel to participate in those enforcement duties under the supervision of ICE agents.
“ICE trains 287-G officers on immigration law, multi-cultural communications, and avoiding racial profiling. The 287-G program helps promote public safety. Within the agreement these law enforcement agencies and ICE will work together to remove illegal aliens from the state,” said Joe Gigliotti, Assistant Field Office Director for ICE based out of Philadelphia.
The 287-G program is consistent with President Trump’s executive order from January 2025 to protect the American people from invasion.
“There is no way that all of these operations could take place without partnering with West Virginia. This Memorandum of Agreement will help ICE with its mission in the state,” Gigliotti added.
ICE operates an investigation field office in Poca with holding cell, but it is not a holding facility. Any illegal alien in need of long term detainment would be moved to a holding facility in Pennsylvania.
“What’s happening here is local authorities are going to be working very closely with ICE in order to make a huge difference in helping this President achieve his goals and helping our citizens feel safer in their own cities.” Morrisey said.
Morrisey said as of Wednesday morning there were 88 illegal aliens in West Virginia. He indicated 13 are already incarcerated and serving a sentence for crimes committed in West Virginia. Another 28 are in custody on state or federal charges and awaiting adjudications. There are 46 who are detained for immigration status and will likely face a deportation hearing in the very near future before a judge.
“We are very excited about complete collaboration and cooperation with ICE and we hope this sends a message throughout West Virginia that if you’re here illegally and committing crimes that is not welcome throughout this state,” said State Police Superintendent Colonel Jim Mitchell.
State Adjutant General Jim Seward echoed Mitchell’s feelings.
“The National Guard is uniquely qualified for this role because of our dual mission supporting state and federal entities. We’ve briefed the Governor that we have 175 certified law enforcement officers who will be going through this training to help out where they are needed,” Seward said.