President Trump Invokes Alien Enemies Act to Address Venezuela-based Criminal Organization

President Donald Trump has invoked the Alien Enemies Act in response to what he describes as an “invasion” by the Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Venezuela-based criminal organization. The proclamation, issued on March 15, 2025, classifies TdA members in the United States as “alien enemies” and orders their apprehension, detention, and removal. The administration argues that TdA’s involvement in drug and human trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes poses a direct threat to national security. The move follows the group’s recent designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the President Trump on January 20, 2025.

Under the proclamation, all Venezuelan citizens aged 14 and older who are identified as TdA members and are not naturalized U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents will be subject to removal. The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security have been tasked with enforcing the order, using federal and local law enforcement resources. The directive also permits the seizure of property linked to TdA activities. Trump’s administration has framed the measure as a necessary response to irregular warfare tactics and alleged efforts by the Nicolás Maduro regime to destabilize the United States.

The Alien Enemies Act, which serves as the legal basis for this action, dates back to 1798 and has been invoked only a few times in American history. The most notable prior use occurred during World War II when President Franklin D. Roosevelt utilized the law to detain and intern individuals of German, Italian, and Japanese descent following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Under Roosevelt’s administration, over 31,000 suspected enemy aliens, including some U.S. citizens and Latin American residents of Japanese, German, and Italian ancestry, were detained in internment camps across the country. The internment program, overseen by the Department of Justice, was very controversial, as many internees were held based on unsubstantiated accusations or wartime hysteria, and is often considered by historians as an egregious human rights violation.

Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act differs somewhat from Roosevelt’s approach, as it targets a specific criminal organization rather than a broad ethnic or national group. However, critics warn that the measure could set a precedent for current or future administrations to take sweeping actions against foreign nationals during perceived national security threats. Supporters argue that the step is necessary to combat transnational criminal organizations and secure the country’s borders. The directive requires the Attorney General to issue official guidance within 60 days, and enforcement efforts are expected to begin immediately.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the White House and the National Archives.

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