The ACLU and Democracy Forward sued the Trump administration for illegal deportations to El Salvador, arguing it violated a federal judge’s order for returning deportees. White House claims linked the deportees to gang affiliations under the Alien Enemies Act. Legal experts express concerns over due process and the implications of broad enforcement measures against immigrants.
On Monday, the ACLU and Democracy Forward initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration concerning the deportation of over 200 individuals to El Salvador, which they deem illegal. This action allegedly violated a federal judge’s order mandating that the deportees be returned to the U.S. for due process. The deportees were seen on video being prepped for detention in a high-security prison, raising concerns about their treatment.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that of the 261 deportees, 137 were removed under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. This cohort included 101 Venezuelans processed via Title 8, in addition to 23 MS-13 gang members, including two ringleaders. Leavitt noted that President Bukele expressed gratitude towards the U.S. for these deportations, asserting that all involved were gang-affiliated.
Francisco Ugarte from the SF Public Defenders Office’s immigration unit remarked that every American should feel alarmed at the swift action taken, which occurred without substantial evidence against the deportees. He explained the context of the Alien Enemies Act, which permits the deportation of individuals from nations with which the U.S. is at war under extraordinary circumstances. Ugarte criticized the Trump administration for categorizing certain criminal organizations as quasi-states, enabling the use of this act.
The ACLU and Democracy Forward highlighted that the deportation actions included three planes, with at least one departing after the judge’s restraining order. They claimed this was a clear breech of legal protocol, drawing condemnation from Venezuelan officials who labeled the actions as kidnapping. The Trump administration responded that the planes were already outside U.S. jurisdiction.
Catherine Seitz, from the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, emphasized serious concerns regarding the absence of due process for the deportees and the disregard for judicial authority. She narrated an instance from the previous Trump administration where individuals wrongfully labeled as gang members were later exonerated upon review. Seitz pointed out the dangers of sweeping immigration actions that forego legal scrutiny and due process.
The ACLU and Democracy Forward’s lawsuit against the Trump administration underscores significant legal and ethical issues surrounding the deportation of individuals to El Salvador. The allegations highlight potential violations of due process and judicial orders, while also raising concerns about the broader implications of the Alien Enemies Act. Overall, the case reflects the ongoing tension between immigration enforcement and legal rights.
Original Source: www.ktvu.com
