In a shocking blast from the past, former President Donald Trump has decided to channel his inner George Washington and invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. You know, that eerie law from a time when they thought the French were a threat. Because why not? The law was meant to give the president the power to deport non-citizens during war times, and it’s making a comeback, with Trump singling out the Tren de Aragua gang from Venezuela as his villain of choice.

But wait, there’s a plot twist! Hours after Trump’s announcement, a federal judge hit the brakes on the deportations. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg decided that maybe we shouldn’t just deport people without a fair shot in court. Here’s a thought: How about we stop using laws that were last relevant when the U.S. was more concerned about Napoleonic Wars than anything else?

Originally passed out of fear of French immigrants (rude), the Alien Enemies Act allows for swift actions against non-citizens without the nicety of immigration court. It’s only been invoked a handful of times in U.S. history, most notably during World War II, when Americans were interned based on their ethnicity, a shameful chapter we’re supposed to look back on with horror.

So what’s the motive now? Trump has been painting a dire picture of an “invasion” at our border. Not only did arrests surge under President Biden, but now Trump is wielding this ancient law as a way to crack down on so-called criminal gangs, all while claiming to protect the American people. Sounds a lot like a call to arms against ghosts, if you ask us.

Critics argue that invoking such laws during peacetime is chilling and potentially an egregious abuse of power. The Brennan Center for Justice has raised alarms, stating that using this act against non-state actors is fundamentally flawed. Let’s hit pause here: Is it really an invasion if, statistically, most undocumented immigrants are simply looking for a better life, not wreaking havoc?

Trump’s proclamation highlights a key distinction: he’s targeting gangs that originated in Venezuela, many of which originate from a country where people are fleeing economic collapse. Using a centuries-old act to address what is essentially a humanitarian crisis? That’s a bold strategy, Kevin.

It’s important to remember that laws like these can pave the way for unjust practices that have marred our reputation globally. So let’s keep an eye on this situation and remember, just because it’s vintage doesn’t make it cool again. The past is better left untouched, especially when it involves inhumane practices against innocent people.