Trump vows massive deportation with century-old law strategy

Donald Trump spoke on Friday at a rally in the suburbs of Denver, a place where a Venezuelan gang had allegedly "taken over" apartment blocks. Although local authorities, including the Republican mayor, deny that the neighborhoods are under the control of gangs, Trump reiterated his narrative about a city—and a country—occupied by illegal immigrants and criminals during the rally.

"Criminal forces occupy us; this is a state under occupation, which does not allow our law enforcement professionals to do the work they so eagerly want to do," Trump stated.

"I pledge to you today, November 5, 2024 (Election Day), will be the Day of Liberation for America. I will rescue Aurora and every city that has been invaded and conquered—these cities have been conquered," he added, speaking against a backdrop of signs with slogans demanding, "deport illegals now."

Trump announced that he would use a 1798 law—the Alien Enemies Act—to "dismantle every immigrant criminal network on American soil." He also plans to seek the death penalty for any immigrant convicted of murdering a U.S. citizen.

The Republican presidential candidate also announced that elite units of law enforcement and the military would participate in this "largest deportation action in American history."

The Alien Enemies Act, enacted in 1798, is still in effect today. It allows for the deportation of migrants from countries with which the United States is at war. It was last used during World War II to expel Japanese, Germans, and Italians from the United States.

During the rally in Aurora, Donald Trump also criticized his political opponents. "These are enemies from within. All these scoundrels we have to deal with, who hate our country. They are a greater enemy than China and Russia," said the Republican candidate.