Slipping into a nightmare for the Republic
Another crack in our democracy: The Tipping Point (https://amzn.to/4bBr6Hg), a story of speculative fiction inspired by these stories from today's news of the day.
Deportation to El Salvador's Mega-Prison
On March 16, 2025, the Trump administration deported more than 200 individuals, primarily Venezuelans, to El Salvador. These deportees were accused of being members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. They were transferred to El Salvador's Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a prison known for its harsh conditions and capacity to hold up to 40,000 inmates. The U.S. agreed to pay El Salvador approximately $6 million to detain these individuals for a year.
Lack of Due Process
Critics argue that these deportations were conducted without due process. Many deportees were not given the opportunity to defend themselves in court, and there is concern that some may have been legal U.S. residents. For instance, Andrés Guillermo Morales, a Colombian-Venezuelan migrant with a legal U.S. work permit and no criminal record, was among those deported. His wife contends that he has no ties to the Tren de Aragua gang.
Judicial Intervention and Constitutional Concerns
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order to halt these deportations, citing the need for due process. Despite this, the administration proceeded with the deportations, leading to a potential constitutional crisis. Judge Boasberg described the administration's response as "woefully inadequate" and has demanded a detailed explanation.
Administration's Stance
The Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify the deportations, labeling the Tren de Aragua gang as an invading force. This rare invocation of a centuries-old law has been met with legal challenges and widespread criticism. The administration has also questioned the authority of the judiciary in this matter, leading to heightened tensions between the executive and judicial branches.
Human Rights Concerns
The conditions within CECOT have been criticized by human rights organizations. Reports indicate that inmates are subjected to overcrowding, lack of recreational space, and no family visits. These conditions raise serious human rights concerns, especially for individuals who may not have been afforded due process before their deportation.
Conclusion
The deportation of these individuals to El Salvador without due process, the invocation of an archaic law, and the administration's dismissal of judicial orders collectively raise profound concerns about the adherence to constitutional principles and human rights. The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing legal battles and debates about the limits of executive power. It’s another big crack in the ship of State that appears to be sinking faster than even the most pessimistic about our future as a FREE country - pay attention everyone. Do you think this is making American Great Again?