This past Tuesday, two Charlottesville residents walked out of the Albemarle County District Court with their charges dismissed and their futures bright, only to be snatched from what should’ve been a joyful moment by three ICE agents. The agents refused to identify themselves, present badges, or even present a warrant and shoved aside anyone who dared intervene in what was nothing less than the abduction of innocent Americans on American soil by American authorities. In a town with little experience of mass immigration enforcement, few anticipated such heavy-handedness so close to home, however this incident should serve as our alarm bell. The Trump administration's aim is not order but oppression, its goal not justice but the eradication of immigrants regardless of their status or record, and its objective the end of America as we know it. They wish to crush dissent, shred the Constitution, and demolish every principle we hold sacred. This is clear and present American fascism, and it advances almost unopposed.

Earlier today, around 4:00, over 50 members of the Charlottesville and UVA community gathered outside the UVA hospital to protest the decision to end gender-affirming care for those under 19. The protestors made their voices known, with bold signs, and transgender flags flying defiantly in the cold rainy wind. Their message was clear: we will not let fascism win. Charlottesville is a city of resilience to these kinds of things. This afternoon the community showed that they have the will to stand up to a despicable and tyrannical decision.