What is the Alien Enemies Act?

WNYC | Mar 17, 2025

The Trump administration used the 18th century law as justification for deporting hundreds of alleged gang members. Why was it invoked, and what does its use mean for future immigration action?

This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.


The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.

Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at
plus.npr.org/politics.

Copyright 2025 NPR

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