Michael Jordan's "Jumpman" logo caught in deportation debate
Michael Jordan and his famous Jumpman (the Air Jordan brand logo) were drawn into the controversy surrounding the deportation of Venezuelans by the Trump administration, reports the "Daily Mail."
Michael Jordan, NBA legend, unexpectedly found himself at the centre of controversies related to the deportations of Venezuelans. The reason? The Trump administration is using his famous "Jumpman" logo and clothing associated with the Chicago Bulls as potential indicators of affiliation with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
According to the "Daily Mail," immigration authorities in Chicago indicated that wearing Chicago Bulls jerseys, especially with Michael Jordan's number 23, and shoes with his logo may suggest affiliation with TdA.
Other documents, in turn, indicate that such clothing elements are part of Venezuelan culture and do not necessarily signify gang affiliation.
Judge James Boasberg from Washington imposed a temporary ban on deporting alleged TdA members, citing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. This decision was made in response to a lawsuit by Venezuelan migrants, who are challenging the legality of their expedited removal from the country.
The Trump administration argues that it did not violate Boasberg's ban because the deportations took place before the judge issued his ruling. According to the Department of Justice lawyers, courts do not have the authority to manage how the president deals with terrorists abroad.
Boasberg's decision met with criticism from Trump, who called for him to be impeached.
Mass deportations from the USA
In January, the U.S. Congress passed a law allowing for the arrest and deportation of immigrants suspected of breaking the law. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the country has removed individuals identified as terrorists, cartel affiliates, and gang members. She also announced that the number of deportations would increase.
Kristi Noem added that immigrants residing in the country illegally have the option of "self-deportation" and can return to the USA legally in the future.
Currently, 61-year-old Michael Jordan, a two-time Olympic champion (1984 in Los Angeles and 1992 with the Dream Team in Barcelona), lives in Florida with his second wife Yvette Prieto and their twin daughters.
