 "Trump likely to invoke wartime authority to speed up mass deportations")
The Trump administration is expected to invoke a sweeping wartime authority to speed up the president’s mass deportation pledge in the coming days, according to a CNN report, citing four sources familiar with the discussions.
The little-known Alien Enemies Act of 1798 grants the president significant authority to target and deport undocumented immigrants, though legal experts suggest it may face challenges in court.
Earlier, CNN reported that this authority was under discussion among several agencies as officials prepared to implement the law.
The main focus is on Tren de Aragua (TDA), a Venezuelan organised crime group now operating in the US and other countries, recently designated as a foreign terrorist organisation, added the report.
At the beginning of his term, Trump instructed his administration to designate TDA as a foreign terrorist organisation and utilise this measure to remove identified members.
An announcement, possibly as soon as Friday, has been in flux as officials finalise the details. This move is expected to facilitate quicker deportations of certain immigrants.
The Alien Enemies Act is intended for use when the US is at war with another country or if a foreign nation has invaded or threatened to invade the US.
According to CNN, citing legal experts, it would be challenging for Trump to invoke the Act without an actual attack from a foreign government, even if the administration cites threats from gangs or cartels.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsHistorically, the Act has been invoked three times in US history, all during wartime, as noted by the Brennan Center.
It was used during World Wars I and II to justify the detention and expulsion of German, Austro-Hungarian, Italian, and Japanese immigrants.
The law also contributed to the controversial policy of Japanese internment during World War II, according to the nonpartisan law and policy institute.
With inputs from agencies
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