KERA's Think

Do we still care about due process?

Apr 21, 2025
Jonathan Blitzer, a staff writer at The New Yorker focusing on immigration and the U.S. court system, dives into the troubling impact of deportation policies under the Trump administration. He discusses how innocent Venezuelans, including one misidentified due to tattoos, face catastrophic consequences. Blitzer critiques the fast-paced deportations enforced under the Alien Enemies Act, showcasing the judicial system's struggle to keep up. The conversation raises urgent questions about individual rights versus public safety and the ongoing immigration crisis.
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INSIGHT

Historic Law Used for Deportations

  • The Trump administration uses a 1700s law to deport undocumented migrants with alleged gang ties quickly and without due process.
  • This law was previously associated with controversial wartime internments, raising concerns about fairness.
INSIGHT

Venezuelan Exodus Causes Migration Surge

  • Venezuela collapsed under authoritarian rule, sparking a humanitarian crisis driving over 750,000 Venezuelans to the US.
  • Most arrived during the Biden era using legal pathways now nullified by the Trump administration.
INSIGHT

Tren de Aragua Gang Misconceptions

  • Tren de Aragua is a poorly understood Venezuelan gang mainly exploiting other migrants.
  • Unlike US gangs, Tren de Aragua lacks clear markers like tattoos or hierarchical territory control.
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