West Virginia Detains Suspected Illegal Immigrants Following Immigration Cooperation Order
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced the detention of about 60 individuals following a cooperation order with federal immigration authorities as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey joined 'America Reports' to discuss the state's efforts to maintain fairness in women's sports after a court blocked a proposed ban on transgender athletes.
On Tuesday, Morrisey announced that approximately 60 individuals were detained within a day of ordering collaboration between Charleston and federal immigration authorities.
By midday, 58 individuals in West Virginia were being held in the Regional Jail system pending verification of their immigration status. Morrisey stated that more detentions are anticipated, as he pledged his full support for President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration.
Having just started his term, Morrisey promised a further update on Thursday, emphasizing the necessity for West Virginia to mitigate the ongoing crisis related to illegal immigration.
Morrisey noted that Virginia leads the nation in drug overdose deaths per capita, linking illegal immigration and cartel smuggling to the crisis in the state. He highlighted the influx of deadly fentanyl from Mexico.
According to the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources, there were 1,389 drug overdose deaths recorded statewide in 2023, a slight decrease from 2021's peak of 1,537.
He stated, "You're going to find a Morrisey administration very cooperative with the Trump administration... It's crucial for West Virginia to stop this senseless death."
Morrisey received support from state officials, including State Delegate Wayne Clark, who called the actions "good progress" regarding both illegal immigration and drug crisis issues.
Additionally, Huntington Police Chief Phil Watkins mentioned that his officers have supported recent ICE operations in the city.
The Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation confirmed it is detaining suspected illegal immigrant criminals in response to requests from federal agencies like ICE and the FBI.
