Trump activates an 18th-century law to confront Foreign Enemies?!
In an unprecedented move since World War II, US President Donald Trump announced the activation of the “Alien Enemy Designations” Act to confront what he called an “invasion” by the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua cartel.
This law dates back to 1798 and gives the president extraordinary powers to deport non-citizens without judicial process in times of war.
Meanwhile, a federal judge has suspended the implementation of this order for two weeks, scheduling a hearing later to consider the legal arguments presented.
In his announcement, Trump described the Tren de Aragua cartel as waging “unconventional warfare” against the United States at the direction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, emphasizing his intention to use full force to enforce the law and eliminate foreign cartels.
Historically, this law has been used only three times: during the War of 1812 and World Wars I and II.
During World War II, it served as the legal basis for the internment of approximately 120,000 people of Japanese descent, including American citizens.
However, Trump’s decision drew sharp criticism from civil liberties organizations, which described the law’s application during peacetime as a clear abuse and contrary to modern notions of justice and equal protection.
The Congressional Research Service also noted that designating gang activity as an “invasion” is an unprecedented legal concept that has never been subject to judicial review.
