PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — In a significant move aimed at enhancing immigration enforcement, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has finalized an executive order that mobilizes state law enforcement to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The initiative, which has been months in the making, involves collaboration between several state agencies, including the West Virginia National Guard, the West Virginia State Police, and the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The formal agreement enables selected local law enforcement officers to execute specific immigration-related duties under the guidance and oversight of ICE. Officers participating in this program will undergo a mandatory 40 hours of training, which includes coursework focused on preventing racial profiling.
Earlier this week, state officials reported that there were 88 undocumented individuals in custody across West Virginia, with 46 held specifically on immigration charges. This situation underscores the ongoing immigration debate and the state’s evolving role in addressing these challenges.
Governor Morrisey’s announcement comes at a time when immigration policies are hotly contested across the nation. He criticized the Biden administration for what he describes as a lack of decisive action on border security, claiming it has compromised safety in the U.S. “Biden’s border disorder and the refusal to take action on illegal immigration made our country less safe,” Morrisey said during a press briefing.
In this initiative, the West Virginia National Guard and the State Police will operate within a task force model. However, the National Guard’s involvement is limited to those members who are already certified as law enforcement officers. Major General James Seward noted that approximately 175 certified officers in the National Guard would be participating in the training necessary for this role.
It is worth noting that the individuals detained by immigration authorities in West Virginia were not located in the Parkersburg Correctional Center, where the news conference was held. Governor Morrisey reiterated his commitment to supporting immigration policies advocated by former President Trump, reflecting a broader political landscape where immigration remains a pivotal issue.
As this collaboration progresses, it is likely to stir both support and criticism within the state and beyond, revealing the complexities involved in enforcement and community safety.
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