Morrisey Moves To More Quickly Deport Inmates In U.S. Illegally

Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a letter of intent Thursday, formally notifying the federal government of West Virginia’s intent to participate in what’s known as the 287(g) program. 

Morrisey told reporters the program will make it easier to deport inmates in West Virginia jails who are in this country illegally.  

“West Virginia stands ready to carry out President Trump’s anti-illegal immigration agenda,” said Morrisey in a press release. 

The program gives designated state corrections officers the authority to perform certain immigration enforcement functions, including transferring inmates from state into federal custody without the presence of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.

Morrisey said migrants have languished in West Virginia jails and prisons because ICE agents aren’t always available.

“This does a couple of things. One, it frees up the ICE agents to help keep our country safe and keep West Virginia safe. It also speeds up the deportation process,” Morrisey said.

Morrisey also said he has been in touch with the Trump administration and ICE and expects the application he signed to be approved quickly.