Former President Donald Trump has denied personally signing the recent proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport Venezuelan migrants. His statement, made on Friday, comes as legal challenges and public scrutiny over the move continue to unfold.
Trump Distances Himself from Deportation Order
Trump, speaking to reporters before leaving the White House, downplayed his involvement in the executive action. “I don’t know when it was signed because I didn’t sign it,” he said. “Other people handled it, but [Secretary of State] Marco Rubio has done a great job, and he wanted them out. We want to get criminals out of our country.”
Despite his statement, the proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act appears in the Federal Register with Trump’s signature.
White House Clarifies Trump’s Comments
Hours later, the White House issued a statement explaining Trump’s remarks. “President Trump was obviously referring to the original Alien Enemies Act that was signed back in 1798,” the statement read. “The recent Executive Order was personally signed by President Trump, invoking the Alien Enemies Act to designate Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in order to apprehend and deport these heinous criminals.”
Trump’s comments suggesting that others managed the process, specifically mentioning Rubio, appeared to contradict the official statement. He also deferred decisions on deportation flights to Rubio, adding, “I’d have the Secretary of State handle it because I’m not really involved.”
Judge Questions Legality of Deportations
Meanwhile, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg is closely reviewing the administration’s handling of deportations. During a Friday hearing, he expressed concern over reports that migrants were hurried onto planes in violation of his previous orders.
“I will get to the bottom of whether they violated my order—who ordered this and what the consequences will be,” Boasberg stated. The judge, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, also criticized the Justice Department’s tone in court filings, calling their language “intemperate and disrespectful.”
Legal Battle Over Alien Enemies Act
The Justice Department is arguing that Boasberg overstepped his authority in blocking the removals. Federal lawyers claim that Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act is not subject to judicial review. However, Boasberg is determined to examine whether the administration defied his orders by continuing deportations despite his temporary injunction.
The case centers on the deportation of individuals accused of being affiliated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The administration insists that the gang poses a serious security threat, justifying the use of the 18th-century law.
Political Reactions and Public Response
The controversy has sparked debate among lawmakers and immigration advocates. Critics argue that the administration’s approach lacks transparency, while supporters maintain that swift action is necessary to remove dangerous individuals.
“This is about national security,” said a senior administration official. “We are taking steps to ensure the safety of Americans by targeting known criminals.”
On the other hand, civil rights groups are calling for greater oversight. “The government cannot bypass legal protections under the guise of national security,” said an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “This sets a dangerous precedent.”
As the legal battle unfolds, the White House faces growing pressure to clarify the administration’s role in the deportation process. With ongoing litigation and public scrutiny, further developments are expected in the coming weeks.
