The United States Supreme Court’s ruling allowing the use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members is a defining moment in how democracies navigate security threats while upholding constitutional principles. Though controversial in appearance, the decision reflects a careful and deliberate balance ~ empowering the executive branch to address dangerous transnational criminal threats, while preserving the due process rights of those affected. At its heart, the ruling does not grant unbounded authority to the US President.

Instead, it affirms that legal tools ~ even ones rooted in centuries-old legislation ~ can be used in modern contexts, provided they are exercised with in constitutional boundaries. The Alien Enemies Act, originally passed during a time of anticipated war with France, permits the President to detain or deport nationals of a hostile nation during times of conflict. While the United States has........

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