Michael Jordan's legacy caught in Trump deportation storm
Michael Jordan and his famous "Jumpman" logo have been drawn into the controversy surrounding the deportation of Venezuelans by the Trump administration, reports the Daily Mail.
Michael Jordan, an NBA legend, found himself unexpectedly at the centre of controversies related to the deportations of Venezuelans. The reason? Donald Trump's administration is using his famous "Jumpman" logo and apparel 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 indicate that such clothing items are part of Venezuelan culture and do not necessarily mean affiliation with a gang.
Judge James Boasberg from Washington imposed a temporary ban on the deportation of 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 asserts that it did not violate Boasberg's ban, as 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 was criticised by Trump, who called for his impeachment.
Mass deportations from the USA
In January, the US Congress passed a law allowing for the arrest and deportation of immigrants suspected of violating 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 opportunity for "self-deportation" and may 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 twin daughters.
