Trump Plans To Invoke Alien Enemies Act—Ramping Up Deportations Amid Setbacks

Forbes - Mar 14th, 2025

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite his campaign promise of the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. This move is aimed at addressing frustrations within the Trump administration over the slow pace of deportations, despite increased arrests and efforts at the southern border. The invocation of this act, which allows the president to deport individuals from countries the U.S. is at war with, could initially target Venezuelan crime groups like Tren de Aragua.

The context of this development is rooted in Trump's longstanding immigration and deportation policies, which have faced logistical and legal challenges. The significance of invoking the Alien Enemies Act lies in its historical use during wartime and the potential legal and ethical implications of applying it to modern-day immigration issues. Additionally, this move could impact international relations and spark debates over human rights and the treatment of migrants. The administration's actions, including the controversial use of Guantánamo Bay for detaining migrants and the introduction of a self-deportation app, highlight the complexity and contentiousness of U.S. immigration policy under Trump's leadership.

Tren De Aragua Donald Trump Immigration Policy Deportation Alien Enemies Act Guantánamo Bay U.S. Immigration

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RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of President Trump's plans to invoke the Alien Enemies Act for deportation purposes, supported by reputable sources and a clear narrative. It effectively highlights the timeliness and public interest of the issue, while also addressing potential impacts on policy and public opinion. However, the story could benefit from a more balanced representation of perspectives, including legal experts and those affected by the policy. Greater transparency about the sources and methodology would enhance the article's credibility. Overall, the article is informative and timely, with the potential to spark meaningful discussion on immigration policy and executive power.

Accuracy

The news story claims that President Donald Trump plans to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportation efforts, particularly targeting the Venezuelan crime group Tren de Aragua. The invocation of this act is factually supported by historical precedent, as the act has been used in past conflicts like World War II. However, the story's accuracy is challenged by a lack of clarity on whether the current situation meets the act's criteria, such as an 'invasion or predatory incursion.' The story accurately reflects the administration's intent and the legal framework, but verification is needed on the specific legal and logistical implications of using this act today.

Balance

The article presents a predominantly administrative perspective, focusing on Trump's plans and the legal framework of the Alien Enemies Act. It lacks significant representation of opposing viewpoints, such as legal experts or immigration advocates who might provide insights into the potential human rights implications or legal challenges. The story could be more balanced by including perspectives from those directly affected by the deportation policies or those who oppose the use of such historical legislation in modern contexts.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, making it easy to follow the narrative about Trump's plans and the potential legal implications. The language is straightforward, and the chronological order of events helps in understanding the sequence of actions taken by the Trump administration. However, some technical terms, such as 'invasion or predatory incursion,' could be better explained for readers unfamiliar with legal jargon.

Source quality

The story cites reputable sources such as The New York Times, CNN, and NBC News, which are known for their journalistic standards and reliability. These sources provide a strong foundation for the claims made in the article. However, the article could benefit from a wider variety of sources, including legal experts or immigration policy analysts, to provide a more comprehensive view of the implications of invoking the Alien Enemies Act.

Transparency

The article provides a clear explanation of the Alien Enemies Act and its historical context, which aids transparency. However, it lacks detailed information about the methodology used to gather the information, such as the specific sources within the Trump administration who are cited as 'people familiar with the matter.' Greater transparency could be achieved by disclosing more about these sources or the processes involved in verifying the claims.