1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

President Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport immigrants alleged to be members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is an alarming overreach of executive power. This 18th century wartime law has only been invoked a handful of times in American history, never outside of congressionally declared wars. Yet hundreds of immigrants have already been deported to El Salvador, even after a federal judge ordered a temporary halt to the removals. Trump has violated his sacred oath to uphold the constitution and the rule of law by defying a lawful court order. This unilateral action flies in the face of due process and judicial oversight. Deporting people en masse based solely on their nationality or perceived gang affiliation, without the chance to contest the allegations in court, violates constitutional protections. It harkens back to some of the darkest chapters in American history when legal norms were cast aside. While no one condones gang violence, the solution cannot be to discard fundamental rights and the separation of powers. Unchecked executive overreach sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law. Cooler heads must prevail to uphold America's founding democratic principles and system of checks and balances. This unlawful action demands scrutiny and accountability from Congress.