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jeni's avatar

hello! for a couple days now, i’ve been seeing stuff about how ICE agents no longer need warrants to enter homes if the home has an alleged “alien enemy” in it. however, this is came from a DOJ memo and it is not law so… i just want to know what your take is- and if you believe some sort of lawsuit or maybe legal action will be taken to stop them from doing this? in short, i would just like to see you cover this! i just found your substack and i love it! thanks!

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Robert Walker's avatar

From that article it looks as if it will be challenged. But I can't find any legal challenges yet. Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act has several ongoing challenges.

From your source:

QUOTE Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a legal analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, said: “I would anticipate this will be challenged in court. It would be a departure from the law. It would allow searches of homes without warrants.”

QUOTE Ryan Shapiro, executive director of Property of the People, put it bluntly: “The documents reveal the Trump administration has authorized every single law enforcement officer in the country, including traffic cops, to engage in immigrant roundups explicitly outside due process.”

https://dailyboulder.com/ice-can-now-enter-your-home-without-a-warrant-to-find-migrants-doj-memo-says/

One of the ongoing challenges for the Alien Enemies Act https://www.acludc.org/en/cases/jgg-v-trump-challenging-unlawful-use-alien-enemies-act-1789-deport-immigrants-without-due

However there are limitations here, - a district court ruled in 2019 that it's not possible to appeal for damages if ICE breaks the law with unconstitutional searches for illegal immigrants.

https://www.justice4all.org/news/4th-circuit-no-remedy-for-ice-abuses/

The Supreme Court rejected the appeal so that decision holds.

https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/tun-cos-v-perrotte/

So that is a decision from 2019. So that may be a complication. Though if they show it is unconstitutional it may be a deterrent anyway especially combined with public pressure.

The government already does warrantless searches of electronic devices at the borders, about 40,000 in 2023.

https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/congress-can-stop-humiliating-and

It also does do some unconstitutional warrantless searches of homes anyway though not sure how many a year.

Here are a couple of examples documented by the ACLU of ICE using deception to get undocumented immigrants to leave their homes.

https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/this-deceptive-ice-tactic-violates-the-fourth-amendment

And advice here, on how to recognize ICE agents - and what to do if one of them turns up at your door - they will ask you to invite them in. But if they are ICE and not police you can ask to see their warrant.

1. VERIFY. Determine the officer’s agency and whether they are really police or probation.

* Look at their uniforms. Uniforms are one way to tell what agency an officer is from. ICE usually wears civilian or plain clothing with black bulletproof vests. Oftentimes, it says “POLICE” on the front or back. Local police, on the other hand, wear distinct uniforms with identifying insignias.

* Ask what police or probation department they are from. Remember what they say. If they lie, make sure to document it.

* Ask to see proof of who they are. Ask to see a business card or a badge.

* Ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge.

QUOTE Remember to stay safe. If an officer tries to enter your home without your permission, do not block the doorway or physically obstruct the officer. Just tell the officer: “I do not consent to you entering my home” and document the encounter. And never answer any questions about citizenship or immigration status without advice of a lawyer. If you are searched, against your will, say: “I do not consent to this search.”

https://www.aclusocal.org/en/icenotwelcome

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jeni's avatar

thank you so much for your response, the information you give is so useful! 🙏🏼

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Klink's avatar

Could you perhaps do a post about the threats to Medicare? A lot of people rely on that for old age and/or disability. It’s scary for a disabled person who can’t work to think about how they could even try to get a job they could poorly do and that can accommodate them when there are many able bodied people looking for work.

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Robert Walker's avatar

Moderates in the Republican party are not likely to vote for a reconciliation bill that cuts medicaid significantly and nobody is suggesting a cut to Medicare as far as I can tell.

They know it is very popular in rural communities and there was one firm no already. Others will be firm nos if the final bill has significant impacts on Medicaid or Medicare or SNAP.

BLOG: Only early days for Trump's budget: key Republicans would not vote on a final bill that impacts on Medicaid or SNAP

READ HERE: https://robertinventor.substack.com/p/only-early-days-for-trumps-budget

Social security can't be changed without help from the Democrats.

On the other hand the Freedom Caucus MAGA Republicans are not likely to vote for the final bill unless it has very major reductions in the budget.

While Senate Republicans are not likely to approve large cuts.

So it's hard to see how it can pass at all.

Trump only got one reconciliation bill through Congress in his first term so there's a decent chance that this bill just fails to get over the line with such a narrow majority in the House.

He could perhaps do it with some Democrat support but that's unusual to depend on the opposing party for reconciliation - and of course Democrats wouldn't accept cuts to Medicaid / Medicare / SNAP.

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Klink's avatar

Thank you!

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Mama Bear's avatar

I’m very afraid about the dismantling of Medicaid. My disabled son (2.5 yrs old) depends on it greatly. I’m also so worried about cuts to 504 plans. There was a lawsuit going , Dredf vs Texas I believe and my state was one that wanted to dismantle it.

I may be getting the lawsuit wrong , so much has happened , one thing after another.

Anyways, I’m mainly afraid about medical care for the disabled and the stopping of research on rare diseases.

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OwensF's avatar

What do you think of this ISW article where it is told that Russia is reportedly expanding its military infrastructure along its border with Finland and stockpiling new tanks, likely in preparation for future aggression against NATO?

Article:

“Russia is reportedly expanding its military infrastructure along its border with Finland and stockpiling new tanks, likely in preparation for future aggression against NATO. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on April 27, citing Western military and intelligence officials, that Russia is expanding military bases near Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia, and upgrading railway lines and other infrastructure along Russia's western border with NATO. WSJ reported that the Kremlin plans to create a new army headquarters near Petrozavodsk in the next several years and that Russia is integrating roadways and railways in the Moscow Military District (MMD) with infrastructure in Belarus. Sources stated that Russia intends to form new divisions on the basis of existing brigades in the Leningrad Military District (LMD) in the coming years and that Russia is constructing new barracks and training grounds and upgrading warehouses and railways near Petrozavodsk to accommodate the future influx of personnel. A senior Finnish military official stated that Russia is sending "almost none" of its newly produced tanks to the frontline in Ukraine but is stockpiling the tanks for "later use." ISW previously assessed that Russia's restoration of the MMD and LMD is part of a long-term restructuring effort to prepare for a potential future large-scale conventional war against NATO.

Russian authorities are also preparing to update Russia's National Security Strategy, likely to reflect Russian President Vladimir Putin's greater territorial ambitions in Europe and ongoing efforts to justify future aggression against NATO. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu claimed during an interview with Kremlin newswire TASS published on April 24 that Russia is preparing to update its National Security Strategy to account for the new problems and threats that Russia is facing. Shoigu claimed that Russia's updated National Security Strategy must account for the "crisis" of European security, the formation of a new global order, and the challenges that the changing world presents to Russia. Shoigu stated that Russia's National Security Strategy defines Russia's "long-term, strategic goals" and the "main instruments" for achieving these goals. Russia updates its National Security Strategy every five years, and last updated the strategy in 2021.”

Source:

https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-28-2025

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OwensF's avatar

And as last point of worry, there was another ISW article how Kremlin officials' threats to NATO and Europe are not some bluffs, but their way trying to justify future aggression.

Kremlin officials within Putin's inner circle continue to threaten NATO as Putin himself refrains from doing so — likely as part of Kremlin efforts to justify future Russian aggression against NATO to the Russian population. Medvedev claimed that the West is attempting to use a principle of "peace through force" to harm Russia, but that Russia's only possible response to this principle is "peace through fear."[17] Medvedev claimed that other approaches do not work but that "fear still works." Medvedev claimed that the leaders in the European Union (EU) are "Russophobic" and that Russia's relations with Europe have "passed the point of no return."[18] Medvedev attempted to argue that allegations that Russia is trying to attack Europe are "nonsense."[19] Patrushev claimed that parts of Europe, including France and Germany, are "flirting with the Nazis" and "deploying the military machine against Russia."[20] Patrushev claimed that the United Kingdom (UK), the EU, and NATO leaders are threatening Russia and criticized NATO for holding large-scale exercises on its eastern flank, claiming that these exercises are practicing offensive actions against Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on April 29 at the "Great Heritage — Common Future" forum dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and claimed that Russia must prevent the revival of Nazism and the spread of destructive ideologies, including Russophobia and national or religious intolerance.[21] Putin's statements paralleled those of Medvedev and Patrushev, but were more tempered as Putin did not criticize or threaten Europe. Kremlin officials, including those within Putin's inner circle, have recently threatened European states, including NATO member states, and are setting conditions to justify potential future Russian aggression against Europe.

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OwensF's avatar

There's also this interview with Black Bird Group's analyist who see this as potentially worrying development:

https://www-is-fi.translate.goog/ulkomaat/art-2000011200463.html?_x_tr_sl=fi&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_hist=true

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Parker's avatar

Hi Robert, huge fan of the blog, it has been helping my anxiety for years at this point.

Echoing some other posts. I'm very concerned about ICE no longer needing a warrant to enter homes as well as seeing ICE arresting/deporting some judges such as the Canos in New Mexico.

Thank you in advance for your response and for fighting the good fight.

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Erik's avatar

Could you take a look at the “SAVE act” that recently passed?

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Robert Walker's avatar

It's hugely exaggerated and also not likely to pass in the Senate. Sorry for delay in reply

QUOTE STARTS

Rep. Laurel Lee, a Florida Republican said the bill accommodates people who do not have documentation to reflect their name change because it directs states to create a process for them to register to vote "irrespective of those discrepancies."

"Citizens will be able to use combinations of existing identification documents in order to register to vote," she said Thursday.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/house-passes-save-act-proof-of-citizenship-voter-registration-federal-elections/

It is rather pointless since there is almost no voting fraud and it is already illegal. Undocumented immigrants who got on the list by mistake are highly unlikely to try to vote and risk being deported for doing something illegal.

But e.g. the UK brought in something like that a few years back. It's not that controversial it's quite common in many countries though it's a change for the USA from what they have at present, if it does go ahead.

SAVE Act passes House, with 4 Democrats backing bill to require proof of citizenship for voter registration

It will need 8 Democrats to vote for it in the Senate for it to pass there.

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Bill Aychvak's avatar

It's incredibly unlikely it will make it past the Senate as it needs 60 votes and Republicans only have 53 seats.

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Bill Aychvak's avatar

I'm scared that AI will get so powerful it replaces all forms of art.

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Robert Walker's avatar

I go into that here, we have had algorithmically generated music and fractal art for a long time, and the algorithmically generated music can closely resemble composed music by recognizable composers.

We've also had synthetic virtual orchestras for a long time. All are used in one way or another but we continue to have live orchestras even for video game music at the top end.

Some human composers use algorithmically generated music it's just another tool for their creativity.

For an earlier example, photography didn't replace portrait art - the artists still do portraits even today but photographs then gave the opportunity for portraits for people who couldn't afford artists and became an art form in its own right.

In the same way human artists already use art produced by chatbots and likely to do more of that but it's likely to enhance not limit human creativity

BLOG: Why weak AI, ChatGPT3, programs that generate art from prompts etc will enhance not replace human creativity

READ HERE: https://debunkingdoomsday.quora.com/Why-weak-AI-ChatGPT3-programs-that-generate-art-from-prompts-etc-will-enhance-not-replace-human-creativity

On animations - animators see many glitches and at present they are nowhere near useful for purpose

BLOG: No threat to animators from these bizarre videos shared on social media today

— very artificial and you would probably feel nauseous if you watch more than a few seconds of them

READ HERE: https://robertinventor.substack.com/p/no-threat-to-animators-from-these

Maybe some day they may be more useful for animators but again to enhance not replace human creativity

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Cyrus's avatar

Im very worried about the department of education. I get a flurry of terrible news and it feels like there is radio silence from news and from the justice system. Why hasn't a judge blocked the order of dismantling the DoE? I just feel left in the dark.

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Nuwan's avatar

I'm very scared because I will be traveling from Chicago to a foreign country in Asia in a few months and I am worried about potential issues when coming back to America (I've "liked" a lot of anti-Trump material). Scared of a potential deportation issue like we have been reading about in the news. Do I have anything to worry about? Also, should Americans be concerned about their democratic rights being curtailed? Or is this an exaggeration?

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Robert Walker's avatar

If you are a US citizen you can't be deported - including naturalized citizen.

BLOG: Trump can't deport US citizens

READ HERE: https://doomsdaydebunked.miraheze.org/wiki/Trump_can%27t_deport_US_citizens

No your democratic rights can't be curtailed.

The Japanese internment camps are now illegal. He can't set up internment camps - the Supreme Court says their decision to let the US set up Japanese internment camps in WW2 was grievously wrong on the day it was decided.

Even Congress can't give the president the power to set up detention camps as in WW2.

All he can do if there is an insurrection is to detain the insurrectionists for the duration of the insurrection and until it's over, they can't ask for a lawyer to get them out of detention.

Once the insurrection is over, the insurrectionists must all be released immediately apart from any that are detained as criminals which then have to go through the normal civilian courts.

Other major rights can't be suspended. For example, there is no right to search people's homes without a search warrant which is the main thing people worry about. Even Congress can't give the president that right as this is a fundamental right in the US Constitution that can't be suspended.

Similarly freedom of speech can't be suspended and a president can't take over the media. That is not possible even if war is declared by Congress and Congress can't give these rights to the president either.

Then there are minor things states can do during emergencies e.g. hurricanes, such as curfews. Usually responsibility of the state not the president.

That's it.

See:

BLOG: NO a president CAN’T use the US military as a personal militia

— soldiers swear to protect the US constitution first

— can obey the president only to implement US law

— soldiers under the Insurrection Act follow civilian law

READ HERE: https://debunkingdoomsday.quora.com/NO-a-president-CAN-T-use-the-US-military-as-a-personal-militia-soldiers-swear-to-protect-the-US-constitution-first-c

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Apr 23
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Robert Walker's avatar

I've done a post about this now.

BLOG: Robert Kennedy is NOT setting up an autism registry

— just a health database with deidentified data

— doesn't need consent

— may lead to legal issues if there is any way to extract an ID from the data

READ HERE: https://robertinventor.substack.com/p/robert-kennedy-is-not-setting-up

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