President Trump has denied involvement in signing a proclamation that would deport alleged Venezuelan gang members under the Alien Enemies Act, despite the White House confirming his signature. A federal judge expressed concerns about the legality of such deportations, questioning the implications of the law’s use. Trump’s comments have sparked debate regarding civil rights and the judiciary.

On Friday, President Donald Trump denied signing a proclamation that would deport alleged Venezuelan gang members under a 200-year-old law, the Alien Enemies Act. This statement followed criticism from a federal judge who labeled the usage of this law as “incredibly troublesome.” Trump had previously invoked this act to deport 238 individuals accused of being part of the Tren de Aragua gang and transfer them to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador.

Though the White House press secretary confirmed that Trump signed the proclamation, he suggested that his Secretary of State was more involved, stating, “I do not know when it was signed because I did not sign it. Other people handled it.” He credited Senator Marco Rubio for advocating the deportation, adding, “Marco Rubio has done a great job and he wanted them out.”

The same day, federal judge James Boasberg raised concerns about the legal justification for utilizing the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants, stating, “The policy ramifications of this are incredibly troublesome and problematic and concerning.” He pointed out that historical uses of the Act pertained to clear declarations of war, contrasting it with the current situation.

Boasberg had previously ordered an emergency cease to deportations, requiring two flights already en route to return. The Justice Department contested this, asserting jurisdiction was lost once the planes entered international airspace. Trump responded with calls for Boasberg’s impeachment, describing him as a “troublemaker and agitator.”

This remark earned a rare public reaction from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who indicated that impeachment should not be employed to address disagreements regarding judicial decisions. Civil rights advocates emphasized that, historically, even during WWII, deported individuals were afforded hearings.

Trump justified the deportations by asserting that there had been thorough vetting, describing the individuals involved as “a bad group… killers, murderers, and people that were really bad.” He also faced further controversy as reports emerged that the entire civil rights branch of the Department of Homeland Security was dismissed. This branch oversaw immigration enforcement and related civil rights issues.

In summary, President Trump’s denial of signing a proclamation for the deportation of Venezuelans highlights the contentious legal and ethical implications surrounding the action. Federal Judge James Boasberg’s concerns about the legality of invoking the Alien Enemies Act have sparked a broader discussion about civil rights and judicial integrity. The ensuing developments signal significant tensions within the administration concerning immigration policies and the balance of powers.

Original Source: www.bellevueheraldleader.com

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