President Trump is expected to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a rarely used wartime authority, to accelerate deportations of certain illegal immigrants. The move, first reported by CNN, could be announced as early as tomorrow, would come through a presidential proclamation:
The little-known 18th-century law, the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, gives the president tremendous authority to target and remove undocumented immigrants, though legal experts have argued it would face an uphill battle in court.
CNN previously reported that the authority was being widely discussed at several agencies as administration officials prepared to implement the law. The primary target remains Tren de Aragua (TDA), a Venezuelan organized crime group that is now operating in the United States and other countries.
NEW: The Trump administration is expected to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a sweeping wartime authority, in the coming days, sources familiar w/ the move tell @priscialva @jmhansler & me
— Alayna Treene (@alaynatreene) March 13, 2025
The move is designed to speed up the president’s mass deportation pledge
CNN reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment.
The law is designed to be invoked if the US is at war with another country, or a foreign nation has invaded the US or threatened to do so. Legal experts say it would be difficult for Trump to use the act when the US isn’t being attacked by a foreign government, even if the administration does cite threats from gangs or cartels.
What This Means
-Faster Deportations: The act would allow the administration to expedite removals without lengthy legal proceedings.
-Legal Authority: The law, originally enacted during the John Adams administration, grants the president broad powers to address foreign nationals from countries deemed hostile.
-Policy Shift: This would mark one of the most aggressive immigration enforcement measures of Trump’s presidency.
Expected Impact
One of the four laws passed as part of the Alien and Sedition Acts, the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 authorizes the president to detain or deport male citizens of a hostile nation who are 14 years or older during times of war.
The law was not immediately enforced at the time of its passage but later used during World War I and World War II to detain and deport foreign nationals from enemy countries.
If implemented, the policy could significantly alter how the U.S. handles certain noncitizens. Supporters argue it strengthens national security and border enforcement, while critics warn it could lead to due process concerns and mass removals without proper oversight.
Trump has long prioritized strict immigration policies, making this move consistent with his administration’s broader enforcement strategy. While details remain unclear, legal challenges are virtually guaranteed.
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This is truly exciting!!!!!!!!