Donald Trump’s continued freedom and re-election hinge on his exploitation of due process rights, a cornerstone of American jurisprudence. Ironically, his administration actively undermines these same rights for others, exemplified by the mass deportation of immigrants without due process. Trump’s legal team successfully employed delay tactics, leveraging his resources and political standing to postpone trials until after the 2024 election. This contrasts sharply with his administration’s efforts to dismantle due process for non-Trump supporters, creating a two-tiered system of justice.
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The White House is exploring all legal options to expedite deportations, including potentially suspending the writ of habeas corpus for migrants, a measure previously employed by past presidents during national crises. This follows criticism of the administration’s deportation rate, which, while significantly reducing border crossings, has not yet met the ambitious goals set by some conservatives. Press Secretary Leavitt affirmed the administration’s commitment to exploring all legal and constitutional avenues to achieve its deportation objectives. The administration points to a dramatic decrease in border crossings as evidence of its success.
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Approximately 100 mugshots of alleged illegal immigrants, detailing their alleged crimes—including murder and sexual assault—were displayed on the White House lawn. This public display, orchestrated by the Trump administration, highlights their focus on mass deportations, a key campaign promise. The action comes amidst multiple legal challenges to the administration’s deportation practices, with opponents citing concerns about due process violations. The administration counters that it is following due process and faces obstruction from politically motivated judges. These legal battles continue, testing the boundaries of executive power.
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Despite previously supporting Donald Trump, Joe Rogan recently criticized the president’s deportation policies, specifically condemning the lack of due process. He warned that such actions, exemplified by the Abrego Garcia case, set a dangerous precedent, potentially enabling future abuses of power under different administrations. Rogan’s statement sparked a significant debate on social media, with unexpected support from figures like David Axelrod, who echoed concerns about eroding due process safeguards. This shift in Rogan’s stance highlights the controversial nature of the deportation policies and their broader implications.
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Cliona Ward, a 54-year-old Irish woman and legal US resident for over 30 years, was detained by ICE upon her return from visiting her ailing father in Ireland. Her detention stems from decades-old, expunged drug convictions that, while erased under state law, remain on her federal record. Currently held in a Tacoma, Washington ICE facility, Ward’s case has garnered attention from her family, who have launched a GoFundMe campaign, and her representative, US Representative Jimmy Panetta, who deemed her detention unacceptable. Ward awaits a court date on May 7th.
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Three families, including mothers and their US citizen children, were deported to Honduras after attending routine ICE check-ins. One case involved a 4-year-old receiving cancer treatment, and another a 2-year-old. Attorneys dispute government claims that the mothers requested to take their children, citing a lack of due process and the severe medical needs of one child. These deportations highlight concerns regarding the Trump administration’s immigration policies and the potential for arbitrary removal of US citizens. Advocates argue the actions are unlawful and unconstitutional.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the Trump administration’s deportation policies, asserting that due process applies to all in the U.S., while simultaneously justifying the deportation of undocumented immigrants, including those with U.S. citizen children. He characterized the deportation of children with their undocumented mothers as a consequence of the mothers’ illegal status, and disputed reports that the process lacked due process. Rubio further argued that the administration’s stricter approach to immigration stemmed from a need to curb the influx of undocumented migrants. Finally, he offered a cautiously optimistic assessment of ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
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A federal judge expressed “strong suspicion” that a two-year-old US citizen, VML, was deported to Honduras with her mother without due process. The judge noted the illegality and unconstitutionality of deporting a US citizen without meaningful process and scheduled a hearing to investigate. While the Department of Homeland Security claims the mother chose to take the child, the judge’s concern highlights potential violations of the child’s rights. This case, along with a similar incident involving a breastfeeding infant, underscores concerns about due process within the context of increased deportations under the Trump administration.
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Abrego Garcia’s family’s lawsuit prompted urgent discussions within the Departments of State, Justice, and Homeland Security regarding his deportation. Initial plans for his return were considered, but White House backlash led to a reversal, recasting his deportation as justified due to his alleged, yet unproven, MS-13 affiliation. This narrative shift transformed the case into a larger test of the administration’s power to deport individuals without due process. The lack of evidence supporting Trump’s claims became a central point of contention.
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In Charlottesville, Virginia, immigration authorities detained a man at the courthouse immediately following the dismissal of state charges against him. The detaining officers, who did not initially identify themselves or display a warrant, sparked concern over a lack of transparency and potential intimidation of courthouse attendees. Conflicting accounts emerged regarding whether proper identification was shown to courthouse bailiffs prior to the arrest. The incident prompted an investigation by the Commonwealth Attorney and a Freedom of Information Act request from state lawmakers, while protests erupted outside the courthouse in response. The public defender representing the detained man expressed worry over the chilling effect this event may have on court participation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker