Trump Reportedly Seeks Wartime Authority To Ramp Up Deportations Amid Setbacks

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President Donald Trump reportedly plans to invoke an 18th-century wartime authority to accelerate his campaign promise to carry out the “largest deportation operation” in U.S. history, CNN reported Thursday, as Trump administration officials have expressed frustration over setbacks to deportation efforts, including a lack of resources and diplomatic hurdles.


Grok, what is the Alien Enemies Act?

The Alien Enemies Act is a United States federal law originally enacted on July 6, 1798, as part of the Alien and Sedition Acts during the administration of President John Adams. Its formal title is "An Act Respecting Alien Enemies," and it remains codified in U.S. law under 50 U.S.C. §§ 21–24. The law grants the President broad authority to regulate, detain, or deport "alien enemies" during times of declared war or when there is an "invasion or predatory incursion" attempted or threatened against the United States by a foreign nation or government.

Specifically, the Act applies to individuals who are 14 years or older, are nationals of a foreign country with which the U.S. is at war, and are not naturalized U.S. citizens. Under the law, the President can issue a proclamation to apprehend, restrain, secure, or remove such individuals, subject to any regulations he prescribes. This could include measures like internment, deportation, or restrictions on their activities within the U.S.

Historically, the Alien Enemies Act has been invoked during wartime. For example:

  • During the War of 1812, it was used to address threats from British nationals.
  • In World War I, President Woodrow Wilson issued proclamations targeting German nationals, leading to the internment of some individuals.
  • In World War II, it underpinned the internment of over 31,000 people, including German, Italian, and Japanese nationals, though it’s often most associated with the internment of Japanese Americans (many of whom were U.S. citizens and thus not technically covered by this Act alone—Executive Order 9066 expanded that policy).
The Act differs from the Alien Friends Act (which expired in 1800) in that it only applies during a declared war or specific threats, whereas the latter allowed broader peacetime deportation powers. Critics have long debated its constitutionality and potential for abuse, citing its vague language and the significant discretion it gives the executive branch. However, it has never been repealed and remains on the books as of today, March 13, 2025.

If the report is true, it shows how desperate the Trump Administration is.
 
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