Trump Proposes Using Alien Enemies Act

At a rally in Greenville, North Carolina, former President Donald Trump proposed invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite the deportation of migrant criminals, specifically targeting gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13. Trump emphasized a return to the policies of 1798, claiming it was a time of decisive leadership, and promised to initiate the largest deportation program in U.S. history if re-elected. The Alien Enemies Act, which allows for the detention and deportation of non-citizens deemed enemies during wartime, has a controversial history, having been invoked in past conflicts to suppress civil liberties. Critics pointed out the regressive implications of glorifying an era when slavery was legal and women were denied voting rights. Trump's rhetoric continues to stoke fears about undocumented immigrants as a central theme of his 2024 campaign.