ACLU Sues Trump Administration Over Controversial Deportations to El Salvador

The ACLU and Democracy Forward have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for the illegal deportation of over 200 individuals to El Salvador, defying a federal judge’s order. The deportees included gang members, but concerns over due process and evidence have emerged, prompting criticism from legal experts and advocates.

On Monday, the ACLU and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding the deportation of over 200 individuals to El Salvador. This action was deemed illegal, particularly as it violated a federal judge’s order mandating the return of the deportees to the United States for due process. Reports stated that El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele released footage of the deportees being escorted into high-security facilities, documenting the shaven heads and restraints of those individuals.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt asserted that among the 261 deportees, 137 were removed under the Alien Enemies Act. This included Venezuelans processed under Title 8 and gang members from El Salvador, specifically identifying 23 MS-13 individuals and their leaders. The administration maintains that all deportees were gang affiliates, raising concerns about the lack of evidence supporting this characterization.

Francisco Ugarte from the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office expressed concern, noting, “Every single person in America should be terrified at what just happened,” highlighting the deportees’ removal without adequate evidence. Ugarte underscored the historical context of the Alien Enemies Act, explaining it is meant for extreme wartime scenarios where a foreign country has declared war or is invading.

The ACLU and Democracy Forward’s lawsuit pointed out that two planes were already airborne when the judge’s order was issued, with a third plane departing subsequently. This sequence was described as a blatant court order violation. Venezuelan officials labeled the deportations as an act of kidnapping, while the Trump administration defended their actions, stating the planes were in international airspace.

Concerns about the lack of due process were raised by Catherine Seitz, Legal Director at the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, who remarked on previous similar incidents involving the targeting of alleged MS-13 affiliates. Seitz noted that many individuals caught in those sweeps were not gang members, illustrating the consequences of inadequate legal procedures.

In summary, the lawsuit against the Trump administration highlights serious allegations concerning the legality of recent deportations to El Salvador, emphasizing a violation of a federal court order. Concerns regarding due process and the proper application of the Alien Enemies Act have been raised, underlining the potential consequences for individuals who may have been wrongfully categorized as gang members. This case illustrates the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policy and enforcement in the United States.

Original Source: www.ktvu.com