Story perspectives

Federal Judge Releases Immigrants, Sparks Backlash and Appeals

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

A federal judge in West Virginia, Joseph Goodwin, released illegal immigrants arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Operation Country Roads, drawing backlash.
He condemned ICE's tactics as violating constitutional limits.
Rep. Carol Miller criticized him for prioritizing ideology over law enforcement safety.
The Justice Department plans to appeal Goodwin's rulings, with Moore Capito defending law enforcement amid rising assaults on ICE agents.

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Story summary

A federal judge in West Virginia, Joseph Goodwin, released illegal immigrants arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Operation Country Roads, drawing backlash.
He condemned ICE's tactics as violating constitutional limits.
Rep. Carol Miller criticized him for prioritizing ideology over law enforcement safety.
The Justice Department plans to appeal Goodwin's rulings, with Moore Capito defending law enforcement amid rising assaults on ICE agents.