4 things to know about the Alien Enemies Act and Trump's efforts to use it
- President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 against Tren de Aragua members, provoking a legal fight. Here's what to know about the controversial law, which was last used during World War II.
The article from MSN discusses the Alien Enemies Act, a part of the 1798 Alien and Sedition Acts, which allows the U.S. government to detain or deport non-citizens from countries with which the U.S. is at war. Here are the key points:
Read the Full LAist Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/4-things-to-know-about-the-alien-enemies-act-and-trumps-efforts-to-use-it/ar-AA1BaLf1 ]
- Historical Context: The Act was last used during World War II to detain Japanese, German, and Italian nationals. It has not been invoked since, highlighting its historical rather than contemporary use.
- Trump's Interest: Former President Donald Trump has expressed interest in using this Act to deport suspected gang members, particularly from MS-13, if he were to return to office. This reflects his broader immigration policy stance.
- Legal and Political Challenges: Legal experts argue that using the Act in peacetime would be unconstitutional, as it requires a formal state of war. There's also debate over whether modern conflicts qualify as "war" under the Act's terms.
- Public and Political Reaction: Trump's proposal has stirred controversy, with critics arguing it's an overreach of executive power and potentially discriminatory. Supporters see it as a necessary measure for national security.
Read the Full LAist Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/4-things-to-know-about-the-alien-enemies-act-and-trumps-efforts-to-use-it/ar-AA1BaLf1 ]