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4 things to know about the Alien Enemies Act and Trump's efforts to use it

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:

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.

The article underscores the tension between national security, legal boundaries, and civil liberties, illustrating how historical laws can be contentious when considered for modern application.

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 ]