DC Circuit Judge Challenges DOJ Over Alien Enemies Act and Deportation Due Process

Judge Patricia Millett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit delivered a pointed criticism of the Department of Justice’s approach to deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. In a vivid illustration of her argument, Judge Millett remarked, “If the government says we don’t have to give process for that, then y’all could have picked me up on Saturday and thrown me on a plane thinking I’m a member of Tren de Aragua and given me no chance to protest it.” This statement underscores her concern over the lack of due process in deportations potentially being carried out under the Act. The exchange highlights an ongoing debate over the scope of governmental powers and protections available to non-citizens facing deportation proceedings. For further details, the discussion is available through the National Law Journal.