Trump's Controversial Use of 1798 Law for Deportations

In a contentious move, former President Donald Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, linked to President Nicolás Maduro. This law, primarily used in wartime, was applied to justify the deportation of over 200 individuals to El Salvador. The decision prompted significant legal challenges, with civil rights organizations, including the ACLU, filing lawsuits arguing the lack of authority for such actions. A federal judge, James Boasberg, temporarily halted the deportations, citing the act's historical use only during major conflicts like World Wars I and II.

Despite the halt, planes had already departed, and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele confirmed the receipt of the deportees in high-security facilities. The US government paid El Salvador six million dollars for their cooperation. Meanwhile, US Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized the judge's decision as a threat to law enforcement and public safety. The Trump administration faced backlash for what was described as a "staggering abuse" of power by the Brennan Center, raising questions about the legality and ethical implications of using a centuries-old wartime law in modern times.

The deportations included members of the Salvadoran MS-13 gang, adding to the controversy. Trump's claims that these gangs were conducting "irregular warfare" against the US further fueled the debate. As the legal battle continues, the situation highlights the tensions between national security measures and civil liberties, drawing international attention to the reactivation of an antiquated legal instrument for contemporary immigration enforcement.