A report citing four sources familiar with the discussions indicates that the Trump administration is anticipated to utilize extensive wartime powers to expedite the president’s commitment to mass deportations in the near future.
The Trump administration is anticipated to utilize extensive wartime powers to expedite the president’s commitment to mass deportations in the near future, as reported by CNN, which cites four sources familiar with the ongoing discussions.
The relatively obscure Alien Enemies Act of 1798 provides the president with considerable authority to target and deport undocumented immigrants; however, legal experts indicate that this may encounter judicial challenges.
Previously, CNN reported that this authority was being deliberated among various agencies as officials prepared to enact the law.
The primary focus of this initiative is Tren de Aragua (TDA), a Venezuelan organized crime syndicate currently operating in the United States and other nations, which has recently been classified as a foreign terrorist organization, according to the report.
At the outset of his presidency, Trump directed his administration to classify TDA as a foreign terrorist organization and to employ this designation to expel identified members.
An announcement regarding this initiative, potentially occurring as soon as Friday, remains in development as officials finalize the particulars. This action is expected to enable more rapid deportations of specific immigrant groups.
The Alien Enemies Act is designed for application during wartime or in situations where a foreign nation has invaded or threatened to invade the United States.
As reported by CNN, legal experts assert that it would be difficult for Trump to invoke the Act without a direct attack from a foreign government, even if the administration references threats posed by gangs or cartels.
Historically, the Act has been invoked three times in U.S. history, all during periods of war, as noted by the Brennan Center.
It was employed during World Wars I and II to justify the detention and expulsion of German, Austro-Hungarian, Italian, and Japanese immigrants.
Additionally, the law played a role in the contentious policy of Japanese internment during World War II, according to the nonpartisan law and policy institute.
