Border patrol agent training facility could expand in Harpers Ferry under Moore’s new bill

by Amelia Ferrell Knisely, West Virginia Watch
November 18, 2025

Congressman Riley Moore said he’d introduce legislation Monday with the goal of growing a training center for border patrol agents in Harpers Ferry.

The bill would authorize a land transfer between U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the National Park Service to expand Customs and Border Protection’s Advanced Training Center. It would transfer 25 acres of National Park Service land to U.S. Customs in exchange for 72 acres of Custom’s land.

A news release Monday from Moore’s office said it was “the final barrier” to expanding the training center to accommodate increased border patrol training needs under President Donald Trump’s immigration and border policies. 

“With more than 18,000 new border patrol agents authorized under the One Big Beautiful Bill, this expansion to the Advanced Training Center in Harpers Ferry is essential,” said Moore, R-W.Va.

He continued, “This land swap solution strengthens our border, bolsters national security, and brings additional opportunity to West Virginia. Harpers Ferry plays a vital role in preparing the brave men and women who safeguard our nation every day. I am proud to introduce legislation that finally allows this important expansion to move forward.”

The bill was not available on Congress’ website as of Monday afternoon.

Moore’s office said that both the Biden and Trump administrations supported expanding the Harpers Ferry Advanced Training Center, but existing land boundaries prevented such progress. 

“The new influx of federal agents has made the need even more urgent,” the release said. “ … The newly authorized expansion will accommodate increased personnel, enhance operational readiness and training requirements and support the Trump Administration’s expanded border security mandates.”

Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., said the legislation authorizing the expansion was “critical to ensuring our agents [were] equipped with the training and tools necessary to perform their duties effectively.”

“This land transfer will enable CBP to enhance and modernize its training operations so they can continue meeting the demands of their mission,” she said in a statement. 

Rep. Mike Simpson, R-ID, serves as Chairman of the House Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee.

“Authorizing this land transfer will provide the brave Border Patrol agents with the necessary training resources to keep our homeland safe,” Simpson wrote. “I am also pleased that this bill will help preserve a section of the historic Battle of Harpers Ferry battlefield, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the land and history of the site.”

Gov. Patrick Morrisey has partnered with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to support Trump’s immigration crackdown. The state is participating in ICE’s 287(g) program that allows specially-trained local and state police and National Guard members to perform specific enforcement duties of ICE agents. The governor announced last month that the partnership resulted in the arrests of 60 undocumented immigrants. 

ICE is also paying some West Virginia jails $90 for each day it holds immigrant detainees. Three of the jails working with ICE were over capacity, according to the latest data shared with state lawmakers.

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West Virginia Watch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. West Virginia Watch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Leann Ray for questions: info@westvirginiawatch.com.