Report challenges ICE's claims about West Virginia immigration sweep
Jan 1, 2026·Location: Charleston, WV

The ACLU of West Virginia released a report challenging federal claims about "Operation Country Roads," an ICE-led immigration enforcement sweep conducted statewide in January 2026. The report found that ICE inflated arrest numbers from 593 to 650, and that three-fourths of those arrested had no prior criminal record, contradicting federal claims that the operation targeted people convicted of serious crimes. Federal judges subsequently ordered the release of multiple immigrant detainees.
Sources
- Report challenges federal claims regarding ICE sweep in West Virginia
wchstv.com·Jun 2, 2026·archived copy
- westvirginiawatch.com
- More immigrants are being arrested by ICE in Pa. and N.J., but a smaller percentage have criminal records
- Newly released federal data shows majority of ICE arrestees in Minn. had no criminal record
wadenapj.com·Mar 31, 2026·archived copy
More incidents in West Virginia
- Mohamed Guezoui detained at workplace, deported under Operation Country RoadsAug 6, 2026 · West Virginia
- Guatemalan immigrant detained at restaurant, wife fights for his release in federal courtJul 14, 2026 · Weston, WV
- Detained Don Patron worker faces deportation after asylum denial, wife saysJun 25, 2026 · Weston, WV
- ICE raids close multiple Don Patron Mexican Grill locations, detain workersMay 31, 2026 · Elkins, WV
- Undocumented immigrant sentenced to time served for document fraud in West VirginiaMar 24, 2026 · Nitro, WV
- Federal judge issues final notice to Trump admin over unlawful immigrant jailingsMar 2, 2026 · West Virginia