U.S. Intensifies Deportation of Venezuelan Migrants via 18th-Century Law, Enforcing Forced Removals to El Salvador
Fresh Take:
March 17, 2025 - Our Takeover
Welcome to the latest scoop on the Trump administration's crackdown on Venezuelan migrants! A whopping 238 individuals were shipped off to El Salvador, all due to accusations from the White House against the Tren de Aragua (TdA) criminal organization.
Trump has been vocal about the supposed danger TdA poses, going as far as to label them as "engaging in hostile actions" against the United States, as stated in a recent white house communique. The supposed threat? Alleged mass illegal migration aimed at harming US citizens, undermining public safety, and supporting the Maduro regime.
Caracas wasn't holding back, responding with a firm communique of their own. The Venezuelan government branded the Alien Enemies Act as "anachronistic, illegal, and human rights violating," defending their migrants as hardworking, dignified, and honest individuals who are most definitely not "alien enemies."
Trump's statements didn't go unchallenged. In fact, a lawsuit has been filed by Democracy Forward and the ACLU, on behalf of Venezuelan plaintiffs at risk of immediate deportation. Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward deemed the situation a "horrific day" in US history, arguing that Trump is attempting to invoke "extraordinary wartime powers in the absence of a war."
The Alien Enemies Act, a relic from 1798, may not be as straightforward as it seems. Procedural requirements, such as providing detainees notice within a reasonable time and following habeas corpus mandates, have come into play in recent court decisions. This means that challenges to deportations under the Act must be filed in the district where detainees are held, and courts have only accepted temporary blocks on new deportations until ongoing habeas proceedings are resolved.
Now, for the nitty-gritty details on the Tren de Aragua. This group reportedly emerged in Venezuela in the early 2010s, through a combination of a railway construction syndicate and a growing foothold in Venezuelan prisons. It's important to note that judicial authorities claim the organization was dismantled in Venezuela following large-scale operations in 2022-2023 to root out criminal enterprises operating within prisons.
As the story unfolds, it seems that legal complexities and practical constraints may put a wrench in the Trump administration's plans. Stay tuned for more updates!
Edited by José Luis Granados Ceja in Mexico City, Mexico.
Enrichment Data:
Venezuelan Migrant Crisis: A Deep Dive
While the focus has shifted to the Alien Enemies Act and its application to the Tren de Aragua, it's essential to remember the larger context of the Venezuelan migrant crisis. Here's a quick refresher:
- Cause: Severe economic instability, political upheaval, and violence in Venezuela have pushed millions of people to seek refuge abroad.
- Countries Affected: Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Brazil have borne the brunt of the migration wave.
- US Policy: Trump's administration has taken a hardline stance on Venezuelan migrants, with increased border patrols, deportations, and blanket denials of asylum claims. However, it's worth noting that Biden's administration may take a different approach moving forward.
We'll continue to keep you updated on the latest developments in the Venezuelan migrant crisis. In the meantime, be sure to stay informed and stand with those in need!
- In response to the Trump administration's crackdown on Venezuelan migrants, the lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward and the ACLU on behalf of Venezuelan plaintiffs profiling them as alien enemies has been sent to court, disputing Trump's attempt to invoke wartime powers in the absence of a war.
- The Tren de Aragua (TdA) criminal organization, which was featured in the Trump administration's latest crackdown, was reportedly dismantled in Venezuela following large-scale operations in 2022-2023, despite Trump's claims of their ongoing involvement in illegal migration, war-and-conflicts, and supporting the Maduro regime.
- The general news and crime-and-justice sectors have been buzzing about the Trump administration's sweeping measures against Venezuelan migrants, including the recent profiling and deportation of 238 individuals to El Salvador, causing ongoing debates and protests.
- The Venezuelan government's firm response to the Alien Enemies Act, labeling it as "anachronistic, illegal, and human rights violating," has brought attention to the Tren de Aragua crisis, while also reiterating their support for their migrants, who are working hard and maintaining their dignity amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts and political tensions.
