Trump to invoke wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to fast-track deportations of illegal immigrants

President Donald Trump is expected to invoke a centuries-old wartime act to target illegal immigrants for deportation, according to media reports.

President Donald Trump (Pool via AP)

Trump will use the law to target members of the violent Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, the New York Post reported, citing two sources close to the administration. 

Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House

The law has been invoked three times during major conflicts: the War of 1812 and World Wars I and II. During World War II, the law was used to detain Japanese Americans. 

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Possible members of the Tren de Aragua gang based in Venezuela were heavily armed and caught on surveillance camera inside an Aurora, Colo., apartment complex. (Left: Edward Romero)

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"Yeah, that's a long time ago, right?" he added. "To target and dismantle every migrant criminal network operating on American soil."

Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to louis.casiano@fox.com.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-invoke-wartime-alien-enemies-act-1798-fast-track-deportations-illegal-immigrants