The ACLU and Democracy Forward have sued the Trump administration over the deportation of over 200 individuals to El Salvador, claiming it violated a federal court order. The White House defends the actions citing national security concerns under the Alien Enemies Act, while critics express serious concerns about due process and potential wrongful deportations.
On Monday, the ACLU and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, asserting that the deportation of over 200 individuals to El Salvador was unlawful. This action allegedly violated a federal judge’s order, which mandated that the planes return to the U.S. to allow for due process.
El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, shared video footage depicting restrained deportees being taken to a high-security prison, where they undergo head and beard shaving. The White House claims that among the 261 deported, significant numbers were categorized as gang members under the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that 137 of the deportees were processed under the Alien Enemies Act, while others fell under regular immigration procedures, noting that President Bukele expressed thanks for the return of certain gang members.
Critics, including Francisco Ugarte of the SF Public Defenders Office, expressed concern over the deportation, citing the lack of evidence against those removed from the U.S. Ugarte explained the use of the Alien Enemies Act, emphasizing that it is intended for extraordinary circumstances like war, and he alleged that the administration improperly categorized gangs as quasi-states to justify its actions.
The lawsuit highlighted that two planes left before a federal judge’s order was issued, and a third departed subsequently, raising serious concerns about adherence to legal directives. Venezuelan officials characterized the deportation as a kidnapping, while the Trump administration defended its actions by claiming the planes were already in international airspace.
Catherine Seitz, the legal director of the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, expressed alarm about the due process afforded to these individuals. She noted this incident mirrored previous actions during the Trump administration, which also targeted alleged gang members, many of whom were ultimately found not to be affiliated with any gangs.
This story was reported from Oakland, California.
In summary, the ACLU and Democracy Forward have initiated legal proceedings against the Trump administration for what they describe as unlawful deportations to El Salvador. The administration’s reliance on the Alien Enemies Act and claims of the deportees being gang members raise significant legal and ethical concerns regarding due process and compliance with federal court orders. This incident has prompted widespread criticism and apprehension over the treatment of vulnerable individuals in the immigration system.
Original Source: www.ktvu.com
