Trump vows 'day of liberation' with 1798 act on immigration
Election Day will be a day of liberation in America, said former President Donald Trump during a rally in Aurora, Colorado, on Friday. He announced his intention to use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to remove all illegal immigrants and gang members from the country.
Donald Trump addressed his supporters on Friday at a rally in the suburbs of Denver, a location he claimed had been overtaken by a Venezuelan gang involved in local apartment blocks. Although local authorities, including the Republican mayor, deny that the neighbourhoods are under gang control, Trump reiterated his narrative of a city—and a country—occupied by illegal immigrants and criminals during the rally.
"We are occupied by criminal forces; this is a state under occupation, which does not allow our law enforcement professionals to carry out the work they so eagerly want to do," Trump stated.
- "I pledge to you today, November 5, 2024 (Election Day - ed.) will be the Day of Liberation of America. I will rescue Aurora and every city that has been invaded and conquered - these cities have been conquered," he added, while speaking against a backdrop of signs with slogans like "deport illegals now."
Trump wants to use the Alien Enemies Act
Trump announced plans to use the Alien Enemies Act to "dismantle every immigrant criminal network on American soil." He also intends to seek the death penalty for any immigrant convicted of murdering a U.S. citizen.
The Republican presidential candidate also stated that elite units of services and military would be involved in this "largest deportation action in American history."
The Alien Enemies Act, enacted in 1798, is still in effect today. It permits 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 criticised 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.
