Summary
Attorneys general from 24 Republican-led states have filed a brief supporting President Trump in a legal fight about using the Alien Enemies Act to detain and remove certain migrants. The states argue that it's up to the president to decide if the country faces an "invasion," which impacts how non-citizens are treated under immigration law. The outcome could influence the balance of power between the presidency, courts, and how future administrations handle similar issues.
Key Facts
- 24 Republican-led states support President Trump in a legal case about detaining and removing migrants.
- The states used the Alien Enemies Act, a law from 1798, as a basis for their argument.
- The law was traditionally used in declared wars and is rarely invoked today.
- Opponents argue the law should not apply to immigration enforcement because it's not a state-to-state conflict.
- The states argue that courts should not question presidential decisions on national security matters.
- The case is being heard in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
- Critics filed habeas petitions, leading to temporary court orders stopping some removals.
- The decision could affect how future U.S. administrations handle similar issues.
