This bill proposes the addition of a new article, designated as Article 17, to the Code of West Virginia, specifically addressing illegal immigration. It mandates that individuals identified as being in the country illegally by any law enforcement agency must be immediately turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation. Furthermore, if an individual is apprehended for a second time for illegal immigration, they will be charged with a felony and face incarceration in a state penitentiary for a period of three to five years, after which they will also be turned over to ICE.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that existing provisions in section 15-16-1 and subsequent sections will apply to this new article, ensuring that no state or local entity can override the stipulations of this article or federal immigration policy. The overall aim of the bill is to establish clear legal consequences for individuals with illegal immigration status in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-17-1