On March 15, 2025, US President Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to authorize the deportation of individuals alleged to be affiliated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Key Developments:
- Legal Actions: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit on behalf of five detainees, challenging the deportations.
- Judicial Intervention: Federal Judge James E. Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order to halt the deportations. Despite this, some deportation flights proceeded, leading to tensions between the judiciary and the administration.
- International Response: El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele reacted to the U.S. actions on social media, highlighting the complexities of the situation.
About the Alien Enemies Act:
- Enacted in 1798, the Alien Enemies Act grants the U.S. President authority to detain and deport non-citizens from countries considered adversaries, especially during times of war or conflict. Its invocation in this context is notable, as it hasn’t been used since World War II
