Legal experts contend that the Trump administration exceeded its statutory powers by invoking rarely applied laws to justify its wide-ranging immigration crackdown.
The administration’s actions—such as using the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act to deport 238 alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador and attempting to detain a lawful permanent resident under an untested provision of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act—may have surpassed its constitutional authority.
Immigration lawyer David Leopold described these moves as “unilateral, factual determinations made by the executive,” suggesting that the administration’s interpretation of these old statutes is vulnerable to judicial reversal. In one instance, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg temporarily blocked deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, arguing that the law was intended to address hostile actions by foreign nations rather than individual cases of alleged gang activity.
The administration’s use of the law that enabled the detention of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder of Palestinian descent, has also raised concerns. Khalil’s lawyers argue that his arrest was retaliatory for his participation in pro-Palestinian protests and infringes on his First Amendment rights. A similar provision was used only once before—in a 1995 case involving Mario Ruiz Massieu—which was later challenged for its constitutionality.
While the Trump administration has appealed judicial blocks on these deportations, the ultimate question of whether its invocation of these laws is constitutional may end up before the Supreme Court, where a conservative majority currently holds sway. Some experts, however, remain skeptical of the notion that the executive branch possesses unfettered authority in foreign affairs, arguing that such matters remain subject to judicial review.
The controversy underscores the broader legal and political battles over executive power in immigration enforcement and highlights the potential for significant shifts in policy if these challenges reach the highest court.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine, even as missile strikes continue across the country.
President Donald Trump stepped back—slightly. On Tuesday, he signed a new order softening his auto tariffs just days before fresh 25% duties were set to hit imported car parts.
The EU's top court has ruled Malta's controversial golden passport scheme, which allowed foreigners to purchase citizenship for €690,000, unlawful, citing concerns over security and the commercialization of EU nationality.
President Donald Trump is pressuring Apple to move iPhone manufacturing from China to the United States. But supply chain experts say the plan faces massive barriers built over decades.
U.S. President Donald Trump wants a lasting ceasefire to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday.
Operation in Iran’s Shahid Rajaei Port in the southern city of Bandar Abbas is back to normal after firefighters put off the deadly fire which broke out on Saturday, customs authorities said.
Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has approved a coalition agreement with the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), securing the final step needed to form a new government under Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz.
Political directors from France, Britain, and Germany are scheduled to meet with Iranian officials in Rome on Friday, according to two diplomatic sources who confirmed the meeting to Reuters.
Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili expressed hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan will sign a peace agreement in the near future, contributing to the positive development dynamics of the South Caucasus region.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, unveiled a free standalone artificial intelligence (AI) app for its Meta AI assistant on Tuesday, marking a significant move as part of the growing wave of new AI apps in the tech industry.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
In an expansive interview marking his first 100 days back in office, President Donald Trump sketched out an agenda that touches everything from punitive tariffs and China policy to cease-fire hopes in Ukraine and an overhaul of domestic programmes. Below are the highlights.
A deadly explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port has left at least 40 dead, with more than 1,200 people injured, state media reported on Sunday, halting operations at one of the country’s most vital trade hubs.
For three generations, the Liebigs built railcars in Görlitz. Now, the factory that shaped their lives will produce parts for battle tanks.
North Korea has launched a new 5,000-tonne destroyer as part of Kim Jong Un’s plans to expand the country’s naval power far beyond its coastal waters.
Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has approved a coalition agreement with the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), securing the final step needed to form a new government under Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz.
Political directors from France, Britain, and Germany are scheduled to meet with Iranian officials in Rome on Friday, according to two diplomatic sources who confirmed the meeting to Reuters.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, unveiled a free standalone artificial intelligence (AI) app for its Meta AI assistant on Tuesday, marking a significant move as part of the growing wave of new AI apps in the tech industry.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree renaming Volgograd International Airport to its historical name of Stalingrad, a move made official late Tuesday.
Singapore’s parliamentary election, set for May 3, will see 11 political parties competing for the 2.76 million registered voters in the city-state, with a population of 6 million. Here are the key parties and their platforms:
Operation in Iran’s Shahid Rajaei Port in the southern city of Bandar Abbas is back to normal after firefighters put off the deadly fire which broke out on Saturday, customs authorities said.
Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has approved a coalition agreement with the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), securing the final step needed to form a new government under Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz.
Political directors from France, Britain, and Germany are scheduled to meet with Iranian officials in Rome on Friday, according to two diplomatic sources who confirmed the meeting to Reuters.
Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili expressed hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan will sign a peace agreement in the near future, contributing to the positive development dynamics of the South Caucasus region.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, unveiled a free standalone artificial intelligence (AI) app for its Meta AI assistant on Tuesday, marking a significant move as part of the growing wave of new AI apps in the tech industry.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
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