1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

I am writing to express my profound concern regarding President Donald Trump’s recent invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to authorize the deportation of undocumented immigrants from nations he deems hostile. This unprecedented action raises significant constitutional and ethical issues that necessitate immediate congressional intervention. The Alien Enemies Act, enacted in 1798, grants the president authority to detain and deport non-citizens from hostile nations during declared wars or invasions. Historically, it has been invoked during formal wars, such as the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II, to target nationals of enemy countries. Notably, its application during World War II led to the unjust internment of Japanese Americans—a dark chapter in our nation’s history that has since been widely condemned. President Trump’s current application of this archaic law to deport undocumented immigrants, primarily from Latin American countries, is both legally tenuous and morally troubling. The United States is not in a state of declared war with these nations, nor is there an ongoing invasion that would justify such measures under the Act’s original intent. Legal scholars have argued that utilizing the Alien Enemies Act in this context is a gross misapplication of wartime authority and poses serious risks to civil liberties. Furthermore, this action sets a dangerous precedent for executive overreach, allowing the president to bypass due process protections guaranteed by the Constitution. The potential for abuse is alarming, as it could lead to the unwarranted targeting and deportation of individuals based solely on their nationality or perceived associations, without adequate legal recourse. In light of these concerns, I urge you to take the following actions: 1. Initiate a Congressional Review: Conduct a thorough examination of the president’s use of the Alien Enemies Act in this context to assess its legality and adherence to constitutional principles. 2. Pursue Legislative Repeal or Amendment: Consider repealing or amending the Alien Enemies Act to prevent its misuse and to protect the civil liberties of all individuals within the United States. 3. Hold the Executive Accountable: Utilize congressional oversight powers to ensure that the executive branch does not exceed its constitutional authority, thereby preserving the system of checks and balances fundamental to our democracy. As your constituent, I trust that you recognize the gravity of this situation and will act decisively to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all individuals. Our nation’s commitment to justice and constitutional governance depends on your leadership during this critical time. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.