President Donald Trump is considering using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to expedite deportations of violent criminal offenders residing in the United States. This law, historically controversial for its use in detaining U.S. citizens of Japanese and German descent during World War II, grants the president wartime authority to deport individuals without hearings if deemed necessary.

Trump has highlighted Denver and its neighboring suburb Aurora as focal points for enhanced enforcement due to the presence of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Despite Aurora officials downplaying concerns, acknowledging the arrest of TdA members reinforces Trump’s stance. By invoking the Alien Enemies Act, Trump aims to eliminate foreign gangs and criminal networks causing crime in the U.S.

This move aligns with Trump’s executive order on immigration enforcement, emphasizing protection against invasion. By potentially involving military resources in deportations, Trump signals a shift towards a more robust deportation strategy. However, legal challenges are expected due to the unconventional use of the Alien Enemies Act during peacetime, raising concerns about detainee rights.

Democratic senators have cautioned against invoking wartime powers based on terms like “invasion,” stressing Congress’s role in shaping immigration policy. Despite Trump’s campaign promise of extensive deportations, recent data shows no significant increase in deportations. Additionally, construction of a large detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, though ordered by Trump, has not housed a substantial number of deportees yet. The facility’s association with post-9/11 terror suspects and allegations of mistreatment adds complexity to Trump’s deportation strategy.