Refugee Council USA Unequivocally Condemns the Trump Administration’s Invocation of the Alien Enemies Act and Other Measures to Facilitate Mass Detention and Deportation

Washington, DC- Refugee Council USA (RCUSA) unequivocally condemns the peacetime invocation of the Alien Enemies Act by the Trump administration, a deeply troubling step that intentionally places immigrant communities – including lawful permanent residents, resettled refugees, newcomers, and longstanding community members alike – at risk of detention and deportation. This order was most recently invoked during World War II, leading to the detainment of 31,000 Japanese, German, and Italian immigrants based solely on their ancestry – an episode that remains a stain on our nation’s history. The current administration threatens to repeat those historic wrongs, adding to its pattern of continually scapegoating and punishing immigrants. 

Last weekend’s enforcement actions included the forced removal of more than 250 Venezuelans pursuant to the Alien Enemies Act (in violation of a court order) and the arrest and detention of Bhutanese refugees in Pennsylvania and Ohio. These further expose how vulnerable our refugee and immigrant neighbors are to flagrant violations of due process and the rule of law, as many of the individuals detained or deported had active immigration cases underway. Customs and Border Protection also recently detained and deported a U.S. citizen child with brain cancer, as well as a green card holder and German national arrested at an airport on return from Europe. Through these and other actions, the Trump administration has repeatedly violated and abused U.S. immigration law, ignored constitutional protections, and targeted people based on their nationality and race.

“RCUSA calls for an immediate rescission of the executive order invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 and urges Congress to pass the Neighbors Not Enemies Act (H.R.630 / S.193) to repeal the Alien Enemies Act and prevent its future abuse. The Trump administration’s invocation of this centuries-old act joins a litany of related abuses of power, including retaliation against student activists, those who express dissent, and punishing those who extend compassion to trans people and particularly vulnerable newcomers,” said John Slocum, Executive Director of Refugee Council USA. 

“These actions are intended to serve as a chilling warning to us all that those who criticize Trump administration policies may face severe consequences – and that immigrants and refugees can be deported without a meaningful opportunity for their cases to be heard, or for no reason at all. But amidst the onrush of illegal and unconstitutional actions – and in the face of new country-specific visa bans to come – Americans of good will and conscience must join in a renewed commitment to upholding the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and all immigrants, regardless of their political views, faith traditions, or the country from which they come.” 

RCUSA urges Congress to cosponsor and pass the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, which would fully repeal the Alien Enemies Act and prevent its further misuse to target immigrant communities.

Media contact: Mariam Sayeed, msayeed@rcusa.org

RCUSA is a diverse coalition advocating for just and humane laws and policies, and the promotion of dialogue and communication among government, civil society, and those who need protection and welcome. This statement does not necessarily reflect the views of each individual RCUSA member organization.

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