'Nazis got better treatment': Judge on Trump's Venezuelan deportations
What's the story
A United States judge has said that the treatment meted out to Nazi deportees during WWII was better than that of Venezuelan migrants under the Donald Trump administration. The analogy came during a recent court hearing, where Judge Patricia Millett pointed out inconsistencies in the implementation of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA). The act was invoked last week to deport 200 alleged members of a Venezuelan gang, Tren De Aragua, to El Salvador.
Judicial remarks
Judge Millett's comparison of deportation procedures
Judge Millett said, "Nazis got better treatment under the Alien Enemies Act." She pointed out that, unlike the alleged Nazis who were provided hearing boards and were subject to laid-down regulations, no such rights were given to members of Tren De Aragua. The judge slammed the absence of regulations and notice for such individuals, saying they had no chance to file habeas or any action challenging their removal under AEA.
Legal challenges
Trump administration's use of Alien Enemies Act under scrutiny
The Trump administration is trying to reverse a temporary restraining order by US District Judge James Boasberg, which prevented the government from using AEA for deportations. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign defended their actions, saying some deported individuals had managed to file habeas petitions. However, Judge Millett questioned whether such detainees realistically had an opportunity to challenge the government's move before their removal from the country.
Due process debate
Judge Millett questions due process in deportation
Judge Millett also pushed back against the government's argument that detainees had a right to petition against their deportation. "They weren't told where they were going. They were given those people on those planes...and had no opportunity to file habeas or any type of action to challenge the removal," Judge Millet said. "The problem here is that they are challenging implementation of a proclamation in a way that never gave anyone a chance to say, 'I'm not covered.'"
Advocacy efforts
ACLU urges return of deported migrants
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has urged Judge Boasberg to order the return of the deported migrants if he finds they were expelled in violation of his order. The ACLU reported eight Venezuelan women and a Nicaraguan man were among those who were flown to El Salvador but were rejected by the government and sent back to the US.