Trump wants to invoke an 18th century wartime law.

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By Caitlin Tremblay

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the border wall between Mexico and the United States, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Jan.14, 2025. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez/File Photo

President Donald Trump is set to test the limits of his immigration crackdown by invoking a wartime law to deport immigrants alleged to be gang members without court hearings, a broad authority that could supercharge his mass deportation push and potentially sweep in people not charged with crimes. Read more.

After taking office, Trump ordered military and immigration officials to be ready by Feb. 3 to implement the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, last used to justify internment camps for people of Japanese, German and Italian descent during World War II. The move, which would almost certainly face legal challenges, could allow him to bypass due process rights and rapidly remove migrants.

Here is a look at the act and how it has been used in the past.

As the role of air traffic controllers comes under scrutiny in the deadly mid-air collision between a U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet, payouts by the federal government for past crashes show both the scope and limits of government liability. Jenna Greene in On the Case looks at the government's biggest plane crash settlements over the past 10 years — and why the payments are not higher.

Mexico and the U.S. reach a deal to delay tariffs for one month … Canadians cancel trips and ban American booze after Trump's tariffs … Recovery efforts in Washington helicopter-plane collision identify 55 of 67 victims … Democratic Senators demand health pick RFK Jr's recusal from vaccine matters if confirmed … USAID's D.C. office shuts for the day as Musk and Trump ramp up attacks … Snow in short supply as Italy gears up to host Winter Olympics … Beyonce won Album of the Year for the first time at the Grammys. Here's a list of all the winners and a look at the red carpet style.

caitlin.tremblay@thomsonreuters.com

@ctrembz

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