A dramatic scene unfolded at the Albemarle County Courthouse when plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained two men without displaying badges or warrants.

According to The Daily Progress, three men identifying themselves as Homeland Security officers carried out the arrests on Tuesday morning, taking two individuals into custody at the downtown Charlottesville courthouse.

The incident occurred after one of the detained men, a 41-year-old house painter, had his assault case dismissed in Albemarle County General District Court. Video footage showed him being surrounded by three plainclothes officers immediately after leaving the courtroom. The second detainee, a 32-year-old house painter, was apprehended while attempting to pay a fine related to a drunk driving conviction.

Questionable tactics raise legal concerns

Nicholas Reppucci, head of the Charlottesville Office of the Public Defender, expressed serious concerns about the operation's methods. His office represented one of the detained individuals. The lack of proper identification and warrants from the officers particularly troubled local legal professionals.

Two women who responded to calls made to the Immigration Rapid Response Hotline attempted to intervene during the arrests. They repeatedly demanded to see arrest warrants, but the officers, including one wearing a balaclava and another in a pink shirt, refused to provide documentation.

The Albemarle County Police Department has distanced itself from the operation. Department spokeswoman Logan Bogert emphasized that while they collaborate with federal agencies on major crimes, they do not enforce immigration laws.

Local authorities voice concerns over courthouse raids

Charlottesville Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Platania shared his perspective on the potential consequences of such enforcement actions. He warned about the negative impact on the justice system's effectiveness.

Public Defender Reppucci expanded on these concerns, stating:

It is highly alarming that ICE would show up to court and detain persons whose charges were dismissed without identifying themselves, without producing warrants or any sort of information to corroborate who they were, or any sort of explanation. It's a public policy mistake taking over a state agency with federal force.

The incident has highlighted growing tensions between local and federal law enforcement agencies. Sheriff Chan Bryant, responsible for courthouse security, was unavailable for comment, while Albemarle County Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Hingeley declined to comment due to insufficient information about the incident.

Federal immigration enforcement intensifies nationwide

The courthouse raids reflect a broader pattern of intensified immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. More than 100,000 immigrants have faced deportation since President Trump took office on January 20.

Three ICE vehicles were spotted in Court Square earlier that day, according to eyewitnesses. The detained individuals were taken away in unmarked vans, and their current locations and any charges against them remain undisclosed.

Local civil rights groups have begun mobilizing in response to the incident. The Immigration Rapid Response Hotline, established by immigrant support organizations, proved crucial in documenting the arrests.

Moving forward after controversial arrests

Two house painters, aged 41 and 32, were detained by ICE agents at the Albemarle County Courthouse during separate incidents on Tuesday morning. The first man was arrested after his assault case was dismissed, while the second was apprehended while paying a drunk driving fine.

The arrests, carried out by plainclothes officers who refused to show proper documentation, have sparked significant controversy among local legal professionals and community members.

As federal authorities maintain silence about the detainees' whereabouts and charges, local officials and advocacy groups continue to question the legality and impact of such enforcement actions within courthouse premises.