In a move to bolster border security and address the state's drug crisis, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the detention of 58 individuals on immigration-related grounds. This action follows a recent directive encouraging collaboration between Charleston and federal immigration authorities. The detainees are currently held within the Regional Jail system while their immigration status undergoes verification. Governor Morrisey anticipates further detentions and has expressed unwavering support for President Trump's efforts to combat illegal immigration.

The governor linked the issue of illegal immigration to the state's struggle with drug overdose deaths, citing the influx of fentanyl smuggled across the border. While acknowledging that West Virginia's illegal immigrant population might be smaller compared to other states, Morrisey emphasized the significant impact of fentanyl trafficking on the state's overdose crisis. He highlighted that the raw ingredients for fentanyl originate from China and are then processed in Mexico before entering the United States.

West Virginia has experienced a concerning trend in drug overdose fatalities, recording 1,389 deaths in 2023, a slight decrease from the peak of 1,537 in 2021. This represents a dramatic increase from the 212 drug-related deaths recorded in 2001. Governor Morrisey underscored his administration's commitment to cooperating with federal authorities to combat this issue, stating, "You’re going to find a Morrisey administration very cooperative with the Trump administration… It’s important for West Virginia because we have to stop this senseless death."

Morrisey commended President Trump's approach to illegal immigration, describing it as "absolutely correct." He reiterated his commitment to protecting West Virginia citizens and working with the Trump administration to address the issue. This initiative has garnered support from other state officials, including Delegate Wayne Clark, who viewed it as positive progress in tackling both illegal immigration and the drug epidemic.

Huntington Police Chief Phil Watkins confirmed that his officers have assisted recent ICE operations in West Virginia's second-largest city. The Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation affirmed its role in detaining suspected illegal immigrant criminals at the behest of federal agencies like ICE and the FBI.