Trump cited Venezuelan gang threats to cite 1798 laws to speed up deportation

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Donald Trump cited laws rarely used since 1798 to speed up mass deportation and claimed that Venezuelan gang Trön de Alagua (TDA) was a “invading force” acting on behalf of the Venezuelan government. The move marks an escalation of his administration's immigration crackdown, which has faced legal challenges. The declaration made by Trump on Saturday triggered the Alien Enemy Act, which grants the president extensive wartime war power to expel foreign nationals perceived a threat. The law was last used during World War II to justify Japanese-American detention. The announcement comes as a federal judge temporarily blocked the deportation of five Venezuelans affected by the order, which demonstrates a fierce legal battle in the future. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Democratic Forward have filed lawsuits before it was announced publicly. While most of the Venezuelans fleeing from the derived countries are seeking a better economic situation, Trump often points out that the TDA is a proof that illegal immigration poses a national security threat. Last month, the government formally labeled the group as a “foreign terrorist organization.” Authorities in several countries reported that members of Tren de Aragua were arrested, despite the Venezuelan government claiming the gang had been demolished. Nevertheless, Trump insists that the group is part of a larger strategy by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which has secured the stability of the decision to invoke the Alien Enemy Act that has sparked legal boycotts. A federal judge in Washington temporarily stopped expelling five Venezuelans, believing the court needs more time to evaluate the law's application. Officials argue that if the court can enforce national security measures first, it could interfere with future decisions on counter-terrorism, intelligence or military operations. The White House has announced plans to detain 300 people claiming to be members of the gang and move them to a facility in El Salvador. Meanwhile, legal experts and immigration advocates are preparing for a prolonged court struggle for the legitimacy and scope of Trump’s actions.

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