The detention of Mervyn Yamarte under the Alien Enemies Act has sparked outrage as families across the country report their loved ones being taken without explanation. The law, dating back to 1798, allows the government to detain individuals from nations deemed hostile, but many say the criteria remain unclear. Yamarte’s family had no idea he had been detained until they saw him in a leaked video of detainees being transported. “They took him without warning,” said his wife, Elena. “We don’t even know why.” Legal experts and advocates warn the detentions appear to be based on nationality rather than security threats. Attorney Daniel Rojas called it “racial and national profiling disguised as law enforcement.” Families are protesting, demanding transparency and the release of their loved ones. “These men are fathers, workers, community members,” said activist Jamal Carter. “If they’re being taken, we need to know why.”
