Used only three times during a time of war in our Nation’s history, the Alien Enemies Act was first used to “monitor subjects of his Britannic majesty” by requiring that they report to “territorial secretaries.” They were not imprisoned or removed from the U.S. In World War I certain Germans and Austro-Hungarian immigrants were detained. The third time was the massive detention of Japanese and American Japanese during World War II.
Although the language of the Act is pretty clear, such as having a “declared war” between the U.S. and an enemy state, there are some nuances, such as “invasion” or “predatory incursion.” This was understood by the 1798 Congress to mean by another state, not the loose language being used today.
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg blocked the new regime from summarily deporting five men accused of being Venezuelan gang members without a hearing. We are not in a state of war with Venezuela nor with any country at the present time. Only Congress has the power to declare war. Someone in the new regime should read the Constitution.
Prayer for the Day
Perplexed, we turn to you, O God, for guidance in these times,
For it seems as if the world has gone askew;
Told we live not in the age of kings claiming divine right,
It seems that our elected leaders act in such a manner.
Right the actions of those who hold power, O Lord,
So they understand the limits of their powers.
In the name of the One who is our guide,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
It’s illegal to use this law in peace time, in the absence of an invasion by a foreign power, which we do not have.
Ilya Somin, law professor, George Mason University
It cannot be used here against nationals of a country – Venezuela – with whom the United States is not at war, which is not invading the United States and which has not launched a predatory incursion into the United States.
Lee Gelernt, ACLU Immigrant Rights Project
I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity;
I will put an end to the pride of the arrogant, and ay low the insolence of tyrants.
Isaiah 13: 11