Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) is signaling a more restrained approach to immigration enforcement, putting him at odds with President Donald Trump’s deportation agenda as the West Virginia Republican considers another run for governor.
Justice, who served two terms in the governor’s mansion before winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, has raised concerns about immigration agents removing people who have lived in American communities for years.
His comments come at a politically significant moment. The senator is weighing a potential 2028 Republican primary challenge against Gov. Patrick Morrisey, setting the stage for a possible contest over the direction of the state’s Republican Party.
In an interview with Politico this week, Justice argued that immigration enforcement can cross a line when authorities pursue individuals who have established lengthy ties to their neighborhoods.
