In a recent NBC News interview, Donald Trump suggested that his campaign promise of large-scale deportations could take priority over immigrants’ constitutional right to due process.
Video
His administration has pushed for rapid removals of alleged members of a Venezuelan gang, claiming urgency in fulfilling his 2024 vow to enact “the largest deportation operation” in U.S. history.
When questioned by Kristen Welker about due process, Trump seemed uncertain, stating, “I don’t know. I’m not a lawyer.”
Despite Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirming that every person in the U.S. is entitled to due process, Trump dismissed concerns, stating that fulfilling his mission to deport individuals, many of whom he labeled as murderers or drug dealers, was his priority.
“I was elected to get them the hell out of here,” he said, adding that the courts were hindering his efforts.
Trump’s stance contradicts the Fifth Amendment, which ensures no one is deprived of liberty without due process, including noncitizens. Legal experts have criticized the administration’s aggressive tactics, including invoking the Alien Enemies Act to quickly deport gang members, bypassing traditional legal protections.
Trump also downplayed a Supreme Court ruling requiring him to return deported individuals, citing advice from his lawyers. He maintained that his decisions aligned with legal counsel, stating, “I have brilliant lawyers that work for me,” and he would take the matter to court if needed.
