Trump invokes Alien Enemies Act against Venezuelan gang threat

President Donald Trump has invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to address threats from transnational gangs, specifically the Venezuelan group Tren De Aragua. This act allows for expedited deportations during wartime. The American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward have filed a lawsuit, arguing the act cannot apply to nationals from countries like Venezuela, with which the U.S. is not at war. A federal judge has temporarily halted its implementation. The Trump administration has appealed the restraining order, and the case may reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Critics claim existing laws are sufficient for dealing with undocumented individuals without using the Alien Enemies Act.