Florida’s Bold Move: First-Ever Use of Alien Enemies Act to Capture Notorious Criminal!

In a groundbreaking move, U.S. authorities have arrested Franklin Jose Jimenez-Bracho, a suspected member of Venezuela’s notorious Tren de Aragua gang, making him the first person detained under the Alien Enemies Act in modern times. This centuries-old law, originally passed in 1798, was recently invoked by former President Donald Trump to allow the detention and deportation of non-citizens from hostile nations during times of conflict.

The Arrest: A Coordinated Effort in Florida

On March 20, 2025, law enforcement officers from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) worked together to track down and arrest Jimenez-Bracho. Authorities say he is a known member of Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan gang linked to human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other criminal activities.

The arrest is significant not only because of Jimenez-Bracho’s alleged criminal ties but also because it marks the first time the Alien Enemies Act has been used in recent history. Law enforcement officials say this is just the beginning of a broader crackdown on gang members and other individuals believed to pose a threat to national security.

The Alien Enemies Act: A Law from the Past, Revived for Today

The Alien Enemies Act dates back more than 200 years and was originally designed to allow the U.S. government to detain or deport citizens of enemy nations during times of war. While the law has rarely been used in modern history, Trump’s administration reactivated it in response to rising concerns about international criminal organizations operating within the U.S.

This new use of the law specifically targets individuals tied to foreign criminal networks, including gangs like Tren de Aragua. Officials say that applying the Alien Enemies Act in this way will help them remove dangerous individuals more quickly, without the lengthy legal processes normally associated with immigration cases.

Who Are Tren de Aragua?

Tren de Aragua is one of the most feared criminal organizations in Venezuela, and in recent years, it has expanded its operations beyond South America, reaching into the United States. The gang is heavily involved in human trafficking, extortion, and drug smuggling, and authorities say its influence is growing in several American cities.

Officials worry that members of this gang are slipping into the U.S. through illegal migration routes, blending in with those fleeing Venezuela’s economic and political turmoil. Law enforcement agencies across the country are now on high alert, working to identify and remove suspected gang members before they can establish criminal networks within American communities.

Government Officials React to the Arrest

Todd M. Lyons, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), spoke about the arrest, calling Tren de Aragua a “dangerous foreign terrorist organization” that has exploited weaknesses in border security to enter the U.S.

“These criminals are not coming here to seek a better life,” Lyons said. “They are coming here to commit violent crimes, trafficking drugs and humans, and endangering our communities. We are taking immediate action to remove them.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also commented, saying that Florida is committed to working closely with federal agencies to keep dangerous criminals out of the state. “This arrest shows that we will not tolerate international criminal organizations operating in our communities,” DeSantis stated. “We will do everything in our power to ensure Floridians are safe.”

Concerns About the Use of the Alien Enemies Act

While some officials have praised the use of the Alien Enemies Act, others have raised concerns about its broad application. Legal experts point out that the law was originally intended for wartime scenarios, and using it against suspected gang members could set a controversial precedent.

There are also fears that this approach could lead to wrongful detentions, as some individuals might be falsely accused of gang affiliation based on their nationality or associations. Immigration advocates warn that this could create a dangerous environment for law-abiding Venezuelan immigrants who have come to the U.S. seeking safety and stability.

Community leaders have called for a careful and transparent process to ensure that only those genuinely involved in criminal activities are targeted under this law. “We all want safer communities,” said Maria Hernandez, an immigration rights activist in Miami. “But we also need to make sure innocent people aren’t being caught up in aggressive enforcement actions.”

What Happens Next?

Jimenez-Bracho remains in custody as officials work to process his case under the Alien Enemies Act. If the law is applied as intended, he could be deported quickly without the usual legal protections afforded in traditional immigration cases.

Authorities say this arrest is likely just the first of many. With increasing concerns about foreign criminal networks in the U.S., law enforcement agencies are expected to ramp up efforts to identify and remove individuals linked to organized crime groups.

For now, the case is drawing national attention, sparking debate over how far the government should go to combat transnational crime. As the situation unfolds, many will be watching to see whether this bold enforcement strategy delivers the safety and security it promises—or if it creates new legal and humanitarian challenges.