Relating to illegal immigrants

HB 2426 would require West Virginia law enforcement to immediately transfer individuals determined to be in the U.S. illegally to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation upon first apprehension. For a second offense, the bill classifies the individual as a felony offender, mandating 3-5 years in state prison followed by deportation to ICE. The bill explicitly states that state or local entities cannot interfere with federal immigration enforcement under this law. It directly affects undocumented immigrants apprehended by West Virginia law enforcement twice or more. The policy changes establish a two-tiered criminal penalty system for repeat immigration violations within the state.