Story perspectives

Operation Country Roads: 650 Arrests in 15 Days

1/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Attorney Moore Capito announced the end of Operation Country Roads, which yielded 650 arrests in West Virginia over 15 days.
The operation involved 25 local law enforcement agencies under the 287(g) program, targeting threats to public safety.
Eight individuals faced federal charges after Nitro operations on January 16.
Capito praised the collaboration, noting West Virginia led the nation in daily immigration arrests during this period.

History

Historical Context

Operation Wetback, initiated in 1954 under President Eisenhower, aimed to deport undocumented Mexican immigrants amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment. This military-style operation, led by General Joseph Swing, resulted in the deportation of nearly 1.3 million individuals, reflecting a historical pattern of intensified immigration enforcement that began during the Great Depression and continued through subsequent operations like the recent Operation Country Roads in West Virginia.

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Story summary

U.S. Attorney Moore Capito announced the end of Operation Country Roads, which yielded 650 arrests in West Virginia over 15 days.
The operation involved 25 local law enforcement agencies under the 287(g) program, targeting threats to public safety.
Eight individuals faced federal charges after Nitro operations on January 16.
Capito praised the collaboration, noting West Virginia led the nation in daily immigration arrests during this period.

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