Justice discusses ICE issues in press call
FILE - Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., listens as President Donald Trump speaks during an event on energy production in the East Room of the White House, April 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Justice talked about immigration enforcement operations and the work that still needs to be done during a press conference Thursday with reporters around the state. Justice, R-W.Va., was asked about his thoughts on Democratic proposals regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol, which are being debated amid a temporary reprieve from a partial government shutdown. Among the issues being negotiated as part of a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security are restricting agents from wearing masks and requiring them to wear body cameras. Justice said he wants to see Democrats and Republicans working together rather than having a “food fight” where no one wins. He said he is good with officers wearing body cameras, but he wants to keep the officers safe. “From the standpoint of doing things that would endanger those folks who are just doing their job and who are trying to help all of us, I am going to stand with the people who are trying to do their job and who are trying to make this country safer and this country better,” Justice said. He does not support some of the Democratic proposals that have the potential to hold a lot of people “hostage” through inaction and other issues that can slow things down and has the potential to injure people. “I can’t stand trying to one up each other all of the time,” Justice said. “I don’t like it and I hope we can make real progress to move things along. Hopefully, we will make things a lot better.” Justice was asked about immigrants in the state who were released from custody after federal judges said they were incarcerated without due process. He said there are things that need to be addressed with ICE. “In trying to make things better, people are going to make mistakes,” Justice said. “We have to see how it all plays out. “As far as ICE in general, I think they are doing a great job. Behind that, you do have mistakes that are being made. We don’t want bad things to happen to good folks,” he said. Justice said he supports “transparent investigations” and said “there is more work that needs to be done.” Justice said he and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., support the development of the Hydrogen Hub in the state to use natural gas to produce hydrogen in order to produce energy. “There are factions that believe this won’t work and factions who believe this is part of the reality of the future,” Justice said. “You have to show me it is for real . ..and I believe there is still some work to show that it will work.” Job creation in data centers will go toward people helping to support their families, Justice said, adding such systems will also play a role in maintaining national security. “We are going to have a demand for energy that is off the charts,” he said. “We are going to need every energy source, that is all there is to it.” With coal and natural gas, Justice spoke about the possibilities that are becoming available to the state as West Virginia’s natural resources helped a lot of people stay warm during recent cold snaps. “Coal saved the day,” he said. “I guarantee it.” Justice brought out his pet Babydog to present her pick for the Super Bowl this Sunday. “I want everyone to enjoy the Super Bowl and be really safe,” he said, urging people not to drink or drive. “Babydog wants you to do that as well.” Justice pulled out a small poster board that predicted the Seattle Seahawks will beat the New England Patriots 28-13 with Babydog’s paw mark on it as an endorsement. “She feels pretty doggone good about this,” Justice said. “I would not go out and bet the ranch on this, but Babydog is telling you all what the score will be. “If you are a Patriots fan, you are in trouble.” Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.comLocal News
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