Charlottesville Legislators Submit FOIA Request to Albemarle County Regarding ICE Activity at the Albemarle County Courthouse

Apr

2025

PRESS RELEASE

Charlottesville Legislators Submit FOIA Request to Albemarle County Regarding ICE Activity at the Albemarle County Courthouse

Del. Callsen and Sen. Deeds aim to find answers in response to yesterday's incident at the Albemarle County General District Court and share them publicly.

Charlottesville, VA – In a letter addressed to the Albemarle County FOIA Officer, Charlottesville-area legislators Senator Creigh Deeds and Delegate Katrina Callsen hope to find answers in response to concerns raised by plain-clothed Department of Homeland Security activity at the Albemarle County Courthouse. The text of the letter which outlines the Virginia Freedom of Information Act request can be found here:

As information becomes available, Del. Callsen encourages people to visit her website where she is making information that is provided for her available for public inspection.

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May 14, 2025: Albemarle County VFOIA Response (Documents and Emails)

April 28, 2025: CBS 19: State legislators concerned about ICE arrests at courthouse

April 28, 2025: USA Today: Video of unidentified men detaining suspect in Virginia court raises civil liberties fears

April 27, 2025: CBS 19: ICE defends Albemarle County Courthouse arrest, criticizes bystanders and local attorney’s response

April 26, 2025: VPM: Albemarle ICE detainees are being held in Farmville

April 24, 2025: The Daily Progress: Questions and outrage after ICE raids Charlottesville courthouse

April 23, 2025: Press Release from Sheriff Chan Bryant.

April 23, 2025: Comment from Albemarle County Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Hingeley:

"I was not at the courthouse yesterday when two arrests were made by individuals who claimed they were law enforcement agents from the Department of Homeland Security. Because I do not have firsthand knowledge, I am investigating the circumstances of the courthouse arrests. The information I have reviewed so far indicates that these alleged law enforcement agents did not display a badge or other indication of authority that would empower them to make lawful arrests in these circumstances. I am grateful that no one was hurt in this operation, but I am also greatly concerned that arrests carried out in this manner could escalate into a violent confrontation, because the person being arrested or bystanders might resist what appears on its face to be an unlawful assault and abduction. Further actions like the courthouse arrests yesterday would constitute a grave danger to our community. I will continue to investigate and to consider what appropriate responses, if any, may be warranted in the exercise of my discretion as Commonwealth’s Attorney."

November 20, 2024 / April 21, 2025: Email thread regarding HSI activity.