Published on 10 Oct 2025
The US President invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport individuals linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
The Alien Enemies Act grants the president of the United States sweeping powers to order the detention and deportation of natives or citizens of an "enemy" nation without following the usual processes.
It was passed as part of a series of laws in 1798 when the US believed it would enter a war with France.
The act states that "whenever there shall be a declared war or any invasion or predatory incursion shall be perpetrated, attempted, or threatened" against the US, all "subjects of the hostile nation or government" could be "apprehended, restrained, secured and removed, as alien enemies".
The act has only been previously used three times - all during times of conflict involving the US which includes World War II.
Alien Enemies Act
detention
deportation
alien enemies
USA
Migration
National security