CIA director: 'No assessment' US at war with Venezuela amid use of Alien Enemies Act
Source: The Hill
03/26/25 11:48 AM ET
CIA Director John Ratcliffe said the agency has “no assessment” that the U.S. is at war with Venezuela, a comment that comes as President Trump has invoked war powers to deport migrants from the country. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) asked Ratcliffe if there was any assessment “that we are currently at war or being invaded by the nation of Venezuela.”
“We have no assessment that says that,” Ratcliffe responded.
In igniting the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, Trump has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of ties to the Tren de Aragua gang. The law allows him to deport any citizen of an “enemy nation,” in this case Venezuelans the Trump administration has accused of being linked to the Tren de Aragua gang.
Ratcliffe’s comments could be used in ongoing litigation over Trump’s use of the 18th century law, which critics have argued should only be used in times of war. Though little used, the act has never been a basis for targeting gang activity.
Read more: https://thehill.com/regulation/national-security/5215082-cia-director-john-ratcliffe-trump-administration-alien-enemies-act/
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