1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport alleged Venezuelan "gang members" raises grave concerns about due process violations and human rights abuses. This archaic wartime law, used only three times before during declared wars, strips away fundamental legal protections and judicial oversight. Deporting individuals without fair hearings or the opportunity to challenge the allegations against them is a severe erosion of civil liberties. Moreover, the deportations to El Salvador's harsh and inhumane prison system, where forced labor, torture, and lack of legal recourse have been documented, is unconscionable. Subjecting these individuals to such appalling conditions merely for alleged "gang ties", without proper adjudication, violates international human rights norms. You must condemn this abuse of executive power and work to prevent the further misuse of the Alien Enemies Act. Protecting due process and human rights must be upheld, even in pursuing legitimate law enforcement goals against criminal organizations. There are legal avenues to address gang violence that do not require resorting to draconian wartime statutes and offshoring human rights violations.