Alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua were given a new directive from the Trump administration. A Department of Justice memo obtained by USA Today provided instructions for law enforcement officials nationwide on how to handle encounters with these suspects.
What does this federal directive entail?
This directive, dated March 14 and signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, cited the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a law previously invoked by the administration in carrying out deportations.
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The document outlined procedures for entering the homes of suspects in certain situations without a warrant and stated that immigrants designated as “alien enemies” are not entitled to a hearing, appeal or judicial review.
It included a guide for authorities assigning point values for indicators of suspected gang affiliation, such as criminal records; communications with known members, and displays of specific clothing, graffiti or hand signs.
How is the Justice Department’s memo being carried out?
On March 15, one day after the directive was issued, more than 200 Venezuelan nationals were transported to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, CBS News reported. Immigration officials stated that the removals were based on law enforcement intelligence and individuals’ criminal histories.
How are courts and immigration advocates responding?
Federal courts in Colorado, Texas and New York issued temporary restraining orders blocking some of the deportations. Meanwhile, legal experts and immigration advocates raised concerns about the Trump administration’s tactics, with some calling them an abuse of due process.
The U.S. Supreme Court has not issued a broader ruling on the president’s authority to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged members of foreign criminal organizations. However, earlier this month, the Court ruled detainees must be given an opportunity to challenge their removal in court.
