Trump Proposes Using 1798 Law for Mass Deportations

The former president plans to invoke the Alien Enemies Act to target migrant gangs, raising legal and ethical concerns.

Donald Trump has repeatedly mentioned using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport migrant criminals, specifically targeting gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.
The Alien Enemies Act was originally intended for use during wartime and allows for the detention and deportation of individuals from enemy nations without due process.
Trump's proposal has sparked controversy due to the historical use of the act, including the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.
Critics argue that the act's application to migrant crime is legally dubious, as it has traditionally required a state of declared war.
The plan is part of Trump's broader immigration strategy, which he has made central to his 2024 presidential campaign.