OPINION:
So Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Maryland Democrat, flew to El Salvador this week to try to persuade the Salvadoran government to free Kilmar Abrego Garcia — even though the “Suspected MS-13 member at center of deportation battle was accused of beating wife” (Web, April 16). Van Hollen may come to realize that he has no authority in El Salvador and neither he nor any U.S. court has any authority over a Salvadoran citizen in Salvadoran detention.
As written, the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 is similar to Section 1021 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012, which was signed by then President Obama despite Mr. Van Hollen’s opposition. It provides for the indefinite detention of terrorists. Specifically, the Alien Enemies Act provides for the deportation of alien enemies upon the warrant of the president of the United States and without judicial review.
It is difficult for Mr. Van Hollen to argue that someone who has been under an order of deportation since 2019 has legal protective status.
WILLIAM T. FIDURSKI
Clark, New Jersey
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