4 things to know about the Alien Enemies Act and Trump's efforts to use it
President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 against Tren de Aragua members, provoking a legal fight. Here's what to know about the controversial law, which was last used during World War II.
Trump is using the Alien Enemies Act to deport immigrants – but the 18th-century law has been invoked only during times of war
(THE CONVERSATION) As President Donald Trump often promised during his 2024 presidential campaign, on March 15, 2025, he invoked an obscure 18th-century law called the Alien Enemies Act to justify ...
EXPLAINER: Trump’s Use of the Alien Enemies Act
The president’s invocation of the wartime law enacted in 1798 was quickly blocked by a federal judge. It had only been used three times before in U.S. history.