GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY ANNOUNCES AGREEMENTS BETWEEN ICE AND WEST VIRGINIA LAW ENFORCEMENT | THE DARK SIDE OF THIS DEAL
On August 13, 2025, Governor Patrick Morrisey signed agreements with ICE that give West Virginia law enforcement new powers to enforce federal immigration law.
Just yesterday, I attended Spanish Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clarksburg. I met many wonderful Hispanic families—parents, children, and grandparents—celebrating their faith together. Afterward, I spoke with Monsignor Paul Hudock about the impact these agreements could have on our community.
I bring a unique perspective. My background includes service as a U.S. Army Military Police officer, U.S. Immigration Officer, Immigration Court Administrator, and liaison between DHS, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the FBI here in Clarksburg. I know firsthand how immigration enforcement works—and how it can go wrong.
Here’s the dark side:
• These agreements allow local officers to interrogate people about immigration status and arrest without a warrant if they believe someone is unlawfully present.
• That creates fear—fear of calling 911, fear of reporting abuse, fear of seeking medical help. Crimes go unreported, families suffer, and trust in law enforcement erodes.
• Traditionally, immigration enforcement focused on removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records. Under this administration, the focus has shifted to demonizing immigrants broadly, regardless of record.
I understand the frustration. I’ve stood in front of repeat offenders with warrants in hand, only to be told by bureaucrats to let them go. I’ve seen tax dollars wasted housing undocumented immigrants in hotel rooms. But the answer is not creating paramilitary task forces or staging deployments for political theater.
Targeting hardworking immigrants in agriculture, food service, hospitality, lawn care, and energy—many of whom have U.S. born children—tears families apart, drives them onto public assistance, and leaves vital jobs undone. That’s not smart policy. That’s fear-driven politics.
If you’ve seen West Virginia State Police or other local agencies interrogating or arresting suspected undocumented immigrants in Harrison or Lewis Counties, I want to hear from you.
At the end of the day, I believe we will all be judged by how we treated others. Yesterday’s Mass reminded me of the strength and warmth of our Hispanic community here in Clarksburg.
We need common-sense laws and independent decision-making that strengthen our communities, not divide them. That’s why I’m running for the West Virginia House of Delegates, District 69.
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Lou Assaro
For West Virginia House Delegate 2026, District 69
This message was approved by Lou Assaro
