- The American Civil Liberties Union filed a court document revealing a point system the Trump administration allegedly uses to determine gang affiliations. It claims that the Department of Homeland Security utilizes the point system as a criterion for deportation.
- The DHS reportedly considers tattoos, apparel, and electronic communications with a known Tren de Aragua gang member as determining factors.
- The ACLU hopes to prevent the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport undocumented immigrants.
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The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) submitted a court document claiming to reveal a point system that the Trump administration allegedly uses to determine whether an individual has affiliations with gangs. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reportedly uses the point system as a criterion for deportation.
The ACLU is looking to keep the administration from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport undocumented immigrants. Therefore, it sought a court injunction.
The DHS uses the document titled “Alien Enemy Validation Guide” to identify members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, according to an ABC News report.
How does the point system supposedly work?
The department reportedly organizes its criteria into six categories: The checklist includes criminal behavior and details, self-admissions, judicial outcomes and relevant official documents. It assigns points to various types of evidence to provide migrants with a score.
One category contains a section about tattoos, signifying membership or loyalty to Tren de Aragua. It also includes a category for social media posts by individuals showing symbols of the gang. DHS reportedly values tattoos at four points, while communicating electronically with a known gang member earns six points.
To be classified as a member of Tren de Aragua, the subject must score eight or more points. ICE may still classify individuals who score six or seven as gang members if the investigating officer consults with a supervisor and legal advisor and reviews the complete set of facts.
What else did the civil rights group claim it found?
The ACLU said it found contradictory information used by the DHS to identify gang members. This includes having a clock or rose tattoo. Wearing apparel from U.S. professional sports teams that feature Venezuelan nationals and donning high-end urban streetwear also allegedly indicate gang affiliation.
A different document indicated wearing Chicago Bulls attire and having a clock or rose tattoos are related to Venezuelan culture and no signs of being members or associates of Tren de Aragua.
The ACLU submitted a document titled “Notice and Warrant of Apprehension and Removal under the Alien Enemies Act.” It stated that the federal government may require each Tren de Aragua accused member to sign a document waiving their right to an appeal or hearing.
The DHS has not yet responded to the accusations.