Trump Invokes Alien Enemies Act to Expedite Deportations of Venezuelan Gang Members

President Trump has invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite the deportation of Venezuelan migrants associated with the Tren de Aragua gang, citing them as a national security threat. This controversial move, only the fourth use of the Act in U.S. history, allows for the immediate detention and removal of individuals without due process protections typically afforded under immigration law. Critics, including the ACLU, argue that the law was intended for wartime scenarios and not for targeting non-state criminal organizations, prompting legal challenges that have already resulted in a temporary restraining order against immediate deportations. The administration justifies the action by labeling Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, claiming they are conducting irregular warfare against the U.S. However, legal experts warn that such a broad interpretation of the law could face significant constitutional hurdles. A hearing is scheduled to further evaluate the legality of the administration's actions.