Specters of the Past: The Invocation of the Alien Enemies Act
Mass deportations aren’t history — they’re happening now. This is how authoritarianism advances, and how we can resist it together.
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The White House has initiated a large-scale immigration crackdown, invoking a little-known law from over two centuries ago—the Alien Enemies Act of 1798—to deport hundreds of Venezuelan migrants without hearings or legal representation.
These deportations have continued even after a federal judge ordered them to stop, sending individuals to El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison, a facility known for extreme overcrowding and reports of human rights violations.
At the heart of this issue is not just immigration policy, but a question of power, accountability, and the rule of law. When government officials bypass courts and longstanding legal norms, it sets a precedent—one that, if left unchallenged, can expand in ways that reach far beyond immigration enforcement.
If due process is dismissed for one group today, who will be next tomorrow?
What Just Happened?
The Administration's Use of the Alien Enemies Act: The administration applied a law originally designed for wartime to deport Venezuelan migrants, despite the U.S. not being at war with Venezuela (People).
Ignoring a Court Order: A federal judge ruled to halt the deportations, but the administration continued flights, arguing they were already in motion. This raises concerns about executive overreach (Vox).
The Role of El Salvador’s Mega-Prison: Hundreds of deported Venezuelans were transferred to CECOT, one of the largest prisons in the world, where reports indicate over 100 deaths due to severe conditions. The U.S. reportedly paid El Salvador $6 million to take the detainees (AP News).
Expanding Deportation Policies: Beyond this action, the administration has also suspended asylum access, reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and expanded immigration enforcement with a goal of 1,200–1,500 deportations per day (The Guardian).
What This Means for Freedom
This moment is not just about immigration—it is about whether legal safeguards, due process, and basic human rights remain intact in the U.S. legal system.
Legal Concerns: The Alien Enemies Act has historically been used during wartime and raises constitutional concerns when applied in peacetime to deport entire groups without hearings (The Guardian).
Moral Questions: The administration continued deportations despite a judge’s order to stop, testing whether the courts still hold authority over the executive branch (Vox).
A Dangerous Precedent: If a president can bypass courts and laws for one group today, nothing prevents similar tactics from being used against others tomorrow—whether that’s journalists, activists, or political opponents.
Actions You Can Take Right Now—From Where You Are
When laws are stretched beyond their original purpose and courts are ignored, it’s time for people to ask important questions and take informed action.
Have Constructive Conversations Instead of Arguments
When misinformation spreads, asking open-ended questions works better than confrontation.
Use personal stories instead of statistics.
This approach encourages dialogue and reduces defensiveness, making it more likely for the other person to consider new information.
Support Independent Journalism Covering These Issues
Subscribe to local newsletters like The Border Chronicle and other outlets who provide firsthand reporting on deportation, detention conditions, and policy changes.
Help Someone Understand Their Rights
Many people, especially immigrants, don’t know their rights during an encounter with ICE or law enforcement.
Share these simple rules:
“You have the right to remain silent.”
“Do not open the door without a warrant.”
“You do not have to sign anything without a lawyer.”
*The ACLU’s Know Your Rights Guide is a great free resource: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights/
How to Talk About This Without Causing Conflict
It’s natural to want to correct misinformation, especially when false narratives lead to harmful policies. But studies show that arguing facts directly can sometimes backfire, causing people to dig in deeper instead of reconsidering their views (PubMed). Instead of debating, try strategic conversations that encourage openness and reflection.
Lead with Empathy and Shared Values
Instead of: “That’s not true, immigrants don’t take jobs.”
Try: “I understand why job security is a concern—it’s tough right now. I actually read that immigrants often take jobs in industries with worker shortages, like elder care and farming. Have you noticed that in your area?”
Why it works: This approach affirms the other person’s concerns while gently introducing new information. People are more likely to reconsider their views when they feel heard and respected rather than attacked.
Use the “Truth Sandwich” Method (Developed by linguist George Lakoff)
Step 1: State the truth first.
Step 2: Briefly mention the false claim without repeating it too much.
Step 3: Reinforce the truth with additional evidence or context.
Example:
Step 1: "Most immigrants follow the law and contribute positively to society.
Step 2: There’s a common myth that immigration leads to crime,
Step 3: but data from the FBI and local police departments show that immigrants are actually less likely to commit crimes than U.S. citizens.” (MPI)
Why it works: By leading and closing with the truth, we reinforce the correct information while limiting exposure to false narratives.
Encourage Curiosity Instead of Debate
Instead of: “That’s false, immigrants don’t commit more crimes.”
Try: “That’s an interesting perspective. Where did you hear that? I saw an FBI report showing crime rates are actually lower in areas with more immigration. I’d love to hear your thoughts on that.”
Why it works: Framing discussions as mutual learning rather than a debate helps people feel less defensive and more open to new ideas.
Use Personal Stories Instead of Statistics
Facts are important, but stories create emotional connections. If you have personal experience, share it.
Instead of: “Statistically, immigrants contribute billions in taxes.”
Try: “My friend’s parents immigrated here from El Salvador. They worked two jobs to put their kids through school, and now their daughter is a nurse helping our community. I think we sometimes forget how much immigrants give back.”
Why it works: People relate to individuals more than numbers. Personal stories can change minds in ways statistics cannot.
Give People a Positive Identity to Step Into
If someone is reconsidering their views, help them see that as a strength, not a failure.
Instead of: “See, you were wrong about immigrants!”
Try: “I really appreciate how open-minded you are about this. It’s rare to have conversations where people actually think through different perspectives.”
Why it works: No one wants to feel embarrassed for changing their mind. Framing it as intelligence and thoughtfulness encourages reflection.
Small Actions Create Big Change
Many people feel powerless in moments like these, but history shows that real resistance happens in everyday choices. You don’t need a title, an organization, or a big platform to make an impact.
By shifting conversations, correcting misinformation with care, documenting events, and protecting each other’s dignity, you are already pushing back against the normalization of injustice.
Takeaways:
✅ Share accurate, well-sourced information on immigration policies with your network.
✅ Engage in thoughtful, empathetic conversations to challenge harmful narratives.
✅ Support independent journalism that holds those in power accountable (The Border Chronicle).
✅ Know your rights and help others understand theirs (ACLU Guide).
✅ Help build local support networks that make communities more resilient.
What happens to one vulnerable group today sets the standard for what happens to others tomorrow. If we accept the erosion of legal protections for any group, we open the door for those same tactics to be used against others.
This is not just about immigration. It is about what kind of country we want to live in. Freedom is not an abstract ideal—it is something we must practice, protect, and pass forward.
You are the signal. Keep your torchlight burning.
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