On September 24th, over 75 students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered to debate:
“Are Deportations Under the Trump Administration Unconstitutional?”
All participants offered excellent, concise, and well-supported views on a wide range of topics related to deportations. 
Many speakers cited the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure. Others noted the importance of the Fifth Amendment, which says that no person can be “deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.” Others noted the pain and suffering experienced by those who must live and work in the underground economy because of their legal status. Presenters suggested that although they came here in hope of a better life, they might be better off returning to the country of their birth.
Recent Supreme Court cases were also discussed. Many presenters offered in-depth analysis of the case of Abrego Garcia, who was removed from the United States while also subject to a withholding order that forbade his removal to El Salvador.
Speakers discussed why and why not the Alien Enemies Act section of the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 pertain to the current environment. The Alien Enemies Act enables the President to detain or deport the natives and citizens of an enemy nation during wartime without a hearing. Participants also discussed and debated whether and to what extent the laws of the United States, such as the Due Process Clause, extend to people who are not U.S. citizens.
Successful debates on potentially contentious issues are only possible with well-prepared facilitators. Lee Barnes Family Foundation Fellow, Tryston Weiss, served as an expert chair. He carefully and calmly ensured that each questioner and speaker remained respectful throughout the debate.
Lee Barnes Family Foundation Fellow, Emma Jutte, served as the debate Whip and ensured all audience members were given an opportunity to present their views to those in attendance. She also encouraged participants to ask questions of the speakers.
The Center for the Study of Free Enterprise thanks our co-sponsors and supporters: College Debates and Discourse Alliance, Braver Angels, ACTA, the Barnes Family Foundation, Mae Rum, Kayla Johston, and Bryan Paul. The event would not be possible without the assistance of Melanie Lewis, Whitney McCall, Brynne Murphy, and Sharron Crain.