The March 14 directive, signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, uses an obscure 18th-century law — the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 — to give law enforcement nationwide the power to bypass basic constitutional protections.

According to the memo, agents can break into a home if getting a warrant is “impracticable,” and they don’t need a judge’s approval. Instead, immigration officers can sign their own administrative warrants. The bar for action is low — a “reasonable belief” that someone might be part of a Venezuelan gang is enough.

    • barsoap@lemm.ee
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      5 hours ago

      Once upon a time, German authorities decided to raid the home, or rather estate, of the local Hell’s Angel boss. Police (SEK) came up to the door in civilian clothes and balaclavas, announced themselves as police. Boss inside panics, thinks it’s a rival gang trying to take him out, grabs a shotgun, shoots a police through the door. Ultimately gets apprehended.

      Police file murder charges. State attorney downgrades that to manslaughter. Judge says “WTF that was self defence if police don’t want to get shot through the door they shouldn’t be running around ringing doorbells in civilian clothes and balaclavas anybody can shout ‘police open up!’”. Still got nailed for illegal possession of firearms on top of everything else he was wanted for, of course. Welcome to German law where you can legally stand your ground with a full auto but are not allowed to own one.

    • T00l_shed@lemmy.world
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      10 hours ago

      The person who would that, if they are somehow still alive, will be crucified by the state.