Trump considers invoking 1798 law for expedited deportations
Donald Trump intends to use a law from 1798 to expedite deportations, reports CNN. In the final weeks of the 2024 campaign, Trump has repeatedly promised to use this law to deport suspected criminal gangs and drug cartel members.
The Trump administration is preparing to use a little-known law from 1798, known as the Alien Enemies Act, to accelerate mass deportations.
According to CNN, this law gives the president broad powers to deport immigrants without proper permits. However, legal experts say its application may be challenged in court.
According to CNN sources, the main target of Trump's actions is the Tren de Aragua gang, which was recently designated a foreign terrorist organization. "The designation of Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization was the first step," said a senior White House official.
In the final weeks of the 2024 campaign, Trump has repeatedly promised to use this law to deport suspected criminal gangs and drug cartel members, pointing to Tren de Aragua as an example of a threat.
The Alien Enemies Act is designed to be used when the US is at war with another country or when a foreign nation has attacked the US. Legal experts emphasize that it will be challenging for Trump to apply this law when the government of a foreign state is not attacking the US.
Discussions are also underway about where deported migrants would be sent. Venezuela has agreed to take back its citizens, but repatriation flights are limited. Other options include countries that have agreed to accept migrants from third countries, such as El Salvador.
Faster deportations without courts
Supporters of a hardline immigration policy endorse using this law because it would streamline the deportation process. Arrests and deportations under the Alien Enemies Act do not go through the immigration court system, meaning immigrants have no opportunity to defend themselves and remain in the country.
Experts note that the overburdened court system, where cases can last for years, could be an obstacle to Trump's plans for mass deportations.
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