Patrick Morrisey Moves to Join Federal Immigration Enforcement Program

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Key Takeaways

• On February 6, 2025, West Virginia signed a letter of intent to join ICE’s 287(g) Warrant Service Officer program.
• Selected officers must be U.S. citizens, pass ICE background checks, and complete federally mandated training programs at ICE Academy facilities.
• West Virginia cited fentanyl-related crimes as justification, linking drug trafficking to illegal immigration’s effect on the state’s public safety.

Governor Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia 🇺🇸 has initiated a major change in the state’s role within federal immigration enforcement. On February 6, 2025, Morrisey revealed that West Virginia had signed a letter of intent to join the 287(g) program under the Trump administration. This program, launched under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allows local and state law enforcement officers to work alongside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), giving them the authority to enforce federal immigration laws under specific agreements.

What the 287(g) Program Involves

Patrick Morrisey Moves to Join Federal Immigration Enforcement Program

The goal of the 287(g) program is to make immigration enforcement more efficient. By entering the program, selected state and local law enforcement officers undergo special training with ICE. Once trained, these officers can perform certain immigration enforcement tasks that are usually reserved for federal agents. For instance, officers can determine the immigration status of individuals in custody, issue ICE detainers, and transfer non-citizens from local jails into federal custody.

West Virginia has indicated that it plans to participate in the program using ICE’s Warrant Service Officer (WSO) model. Under this arrangement, ICE provides the necessary training to local officers, who then gain the authority to serve and execute immigration warrants. This applies specifically to individuals already held in jail facilities. The aim is to cut down the time it takes to deport people who are suspected of being in the country illegally after committing crimes.

Governor Morrisey stressed the importance of this move, explaining that participating in the program will not only align West Virginia with the federal immigration agenda but will also tackle issues related to illegal immigration, such as drug and human trafficking. The letter of intent, sent to an ICE official named Russell Holt, outlines the state’s willingness to cooperate with federal authorities in combating these problems.

Advancing Immigration Enforcement in West Virginia

West Virginia’s participation in the 287(g) program follows a broader effort led by Governor Morrisey to crack down on illegal immigration. Just one week earlier, Morrisey signed an executive order instructing West Virginia law enforcement to follow President Trump’s immigration priorities. The order requires local agencies to assist ICE and, where possible, take on immigration enforcement duties themselves. Morrisey also sent a letter to law enforcement agencies across the state, urging full cooperation with federal officials and ICE directives.

One of the primary reasons Morrisey has pushed these measures is his belief that illegal immigration has directly impacted West Virginia. Critics have questioned how a state like West Virginia might feel the effects of illegal immigration, often perceived as a more prominent issue for states near the southern border. In response, Morrisey pointed to the overwhelming presence of fentanyl in West Virginia communities, explaining that most overdose deaths in the state are tied to drugs trafficked across the border. According to him, this is strong evidence that illegal immigration is creating problems even in states like West Virginia.

Moreover, as of February 2025, Morrisey reported that 64 illegal immigrants were being held in West Virginia’s jail system. This number includes both individuals already convicted of crimes and others captured by ICE. These individuals represent a fraction of those arrested during collaborative enforcement actions but underline why Morrisey believes West Virginia must play a more active role in federal immigration efforts.

What Happens Next?

If West Virginia’s application to join the 287(g) program moves forward, several changes will follow. The first step would involve selecting correctional officers to participate in the program. These officers will need to meet specific requirements, including U.S. citizenship, a clean background check from ICE, and completion of a mandatory training program. The training itself is extensive, taking place at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center ICE Academy in Charleston, South Carolina.

The program covers a broad range of topics, including immigration law, communication in multicultural settings, and effective use of ICE databases. It also emphasizes preventing racial profiling, a frequent concern cited by critics. Officers must pass a series of exams and score at least 70 percent to earn ICE certification. Those who meet these criteria are then authorized to assist ICE by performing tasks such as checking immigration statuses, entering records into immigration databases, and working on deportation procedures.

While the cost of training and travel is covered by ICE, West Virginia would be responsible for personnel-related expenses like salaries, overtime, and otherwise managing the program. This financial aspect is one of the key considerations for states choosing whether to participate in 287(g).

The Bigger Picture: 287(g) Across the Country

Since the creation of the 287(g) program, several states and local jurisdictions have chosen to partner with ICE. As of late 2024, there were agreements with 135 law enforcement agencies across 21 states. Adding West Virginia to this list would make it the latest state to bolster immigration enforcement efforts under this federal program.

The gains from the 287(g) program are often highlighted by its supporters, who argue it strengthens public safety. By allowing well-trained officers to assist federal agents, the program is seen as a way to remove dangerous individuals from the U.S. Supporters believe this collaboration reduces crime and limits the burden on ICE by spreading responsibilities to trained state and local officers.

Critics, however, point to potential risks. One major concern is the possibility of racial profiling, where officers might unfairly target individuals based on their ethnicity or appearance. In addition, local governments often worry about the strain on their resources. Managing such a program, while addressing community concerns, requires balance and careful planning.

Addressing Public Safety Concerns

Governor Morrisey has consistently focused on the public safety aspects of immigration enforcement. He emphasized that the steps West Virginia is taking are aimed at protecting residents from individuals who may be in the U.S. illegally and involved in criminal activity. The fentanyl crisis has been a major element of his argument, tying drug trafficking at the border to the hardships faced by West Virginia communities.

For instance, fentanyl overdoses have devastated parts of the state, causing significant loss of life and hardship for families. By removing individuals linked to trafficking networks, Morrisey argues that the 287(g) program could lead to safer neighborhoods and reduced drug-related deaths.

Controversy and Community Concerns

As this program moves forward, West Virginia must prepare for its social and logistical challenges. Balancing enforcement with community policing, ensuring adherence to civil rights laws, and maintaining fairness will be critical. These issues are not unique to West Virginia; other states in the program have faced similar concerns.

Programs like 287(g) often spark heated debate between those who support stricter immigration controls and those who worry about the program’s broader impact on immigrant communities. For instance, would some people be less likely to report crimes or interact with law enforcement due to fear of deportation? These worries underline the need for clear communication and fair implementation.

Moving Toward Implementation

Governor Patrick Morrisey has adopted a direct approach, ensuring that West Virginia’s application to join the 287(g) program is processed as quickly as possible. As the first governor to propose this step for the state, his actions mark a turning point in how West Virginia deals with issues related to illegal immigration.

Officials will need to carefully monitor results once the program begins, particularly in areas such as deportation efficiency, public safety improvements, and relations with immigrant communities. The process currently underway, though focused heavily on policy details, will ultimately have a deep impact on both residents’ safety and the broader perception of West Virginia’s role in federal immigration enforcement.

Conclusion

Governor Patrick Morrisey’s signing of the letter of intent for West Virginia to join the 287(g) program puts the state on a path toward deeper involvement in immigration enforcement. By partnering with ICE, the state seeks to improve public safety and reduce the challenges stemming from illegal immigration. This step underlines West Virginia’s determination to address its unique challenges, from drug trafficking to crime linked to illegal immigration. However, as the state integrates into the program, it will need to maintain fairness, comply with legal standards, and ensure that its communities feel both protected and respected.

For details about the 287(g) program, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s official page on the program here. For immigration updates, reports, and analysis, visit VisaVerge.com, a trusted source of insight into U.S. immigration policies.

Learn Today

287(g) Program → A collaboration allowing selected state/local officers to enforce federal immigration laws under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) supervision.
Warrant Service Officer (WSO) Model → A 287(g) program model authorizing trained local officers to serve and execute ICE immigration warrants for detainees.
ICE Detainer → A request by ICE for local law enforcement to hold individuals suspected of violating immigration laws until federal custody transfer.
Fentanyl Crisis → A nationwide issue involving the misuse of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, causing significant overdose deaths in U.S. communities.
Racial Profiling → The unjust practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of crimes based on their race, ethnicity, or appearance.

This Article in a Nutshell

West Virginia, led by Governor Patrick Morrisey, is joining the 287(g) program, collaborating with ICE to combat illegal immigration. By empowering local officers to enforce federal immigration laws, Morrisey aims to tackle issues like drug trafficking and public safety. This bold move underscores West Virginia’s growing role in national immigration enforcement efforts.
— By VisaVerge.com