History As It Happens: "Alien Enemies"

Episode Release Date: March 28, 2025
Host: Martin Di Caro
Guest: Michael Kazin, Distinguished Scholar of American Political and Social Movements at Georgetown University

Introduction: The Modern Echoes of Historical Repression

In the episode titled "Alien Enemies," host Martin Di Caro delves into the Trump administration's controversial use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport individuals accused of gang affiliations. Through an insightful conversation with historian Michael Kazin, the podcast examines the parallels between contemporary policies and historical instances of civil liberties erosion in the United States.

Trump Administration's Use of the Alien Enemies Act

Martin Di Caro opens the discussion by highlighting President Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, a century-old wartime law, to deport 137 men accused of gang activities. He states:

"The Trump administration is deporting accused gang members to El Salvador without due process." ([01:23])

Michael Kazin elaborates on the administration's rationale, emphasizing national security concerns:

"Argue that their use of the Alien Enemies act targets gang members, that they're invoking national security reasons and national security secrets." ([00:37])

Kazin underscores the administration's stance that these actions are necessary to address public safety and national security threats.

Historical Context: The Red Scare and McCarthyism

To provide a comparative backdrop, Di Caro references the Red Scare and the era of McCarthyism, drawing direct lines between past and present:

"When you hear the words red scare, the McCarthy era may come to mind." ([02:28])

He recounts Joe McCarthy’s aggressive hunt for communists, culminating in his confrontation with President Eisenhower:

"Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?" ([03:28])

Michael Kazin connects these historical episodes to the current climate, highlighting a recurring American tradition of suppressing civil liberties under the guise of national security:

"Resistance to militarism ran wide and deep... The ethnic groups that had spurned the allies at the start of the war recoiled..." ([02:28])

Kazin emphasizes that such measures are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern in American history where crises lead to conformity and repression.

The Palmer Raids: Methods and Impacts

Diving deeper into historical parallels, the podcast revisits the Palmer Raids of 1919, orchestrated by Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer and J. Edgar Hoover. Di Caro describes the aggressive tactics used to suppress radical elements:

"Break ins and arrests were frequently made without warrants, and prisoners were treated roughly." ([36:42])

Kazin explains the socio-political environment that fueled these raids, including widespread strikes and labor unrest:

"There were race riots... the police str in Boston... major strikes all over the country." ([34:11])

The impact of the Palmer Raids was profound, effectively dismantling anarchist and communist movements through both official actions and vigilant citizen involvement:

"The anarchist movement had never been that large in America, but it basically was destroyed entirely by the Palmer raids." ([36:42])

Comparisons Between Past and Present Civil Liberties Erosion

Drawing direct comparisons, Di Caro questions the motivations behind the Trump administration's actions:

"If anything here is fascistic, it is creating a climate or just claiming that there's some kind of crisis or national emergency that warrants the use of a wartime law during peacetime." ([14:52])

Kazin responds by illustrating the continuity of such practices, where nationalistic fervor and fear of foreign influence justify the suppression of dissent:

"The idea that foreign influences are corroding the greatness of America... the state has to make sure that the forces that might make for disunity are repressed." ([15:06])

He further compares the vagueness of the Alien Enemies Act to historical laws used to undermine civil liberties:

"It's so vague. What would possibly be against the foreign policy interests of the United States?" ([17:35])

This vagueness allows for broad interpretation, enabling administrations to target individuals and groups without concrete evidence, reminiscent of past abuses.

Motivations Behind Repression and Nationalism

The discussion shifts to the underlying motivations driving such repressive actions. Di Caro highlights right-wing populism and its role in fostering an environment conducive to civil liberties violations:

"We are not under invasion right now... they're really about cracking down on dissent or the others, the others we don't want in our country." ([14:52])

Kazin elaborates on the nationalist ethos that equates conformity with patriotism, advocating for a homogenous American identity:

"Much more powerful appeal than just talking about illegal immigrants... they believe in a much more pluralistic kind of nationalism." ([15:06])

This form of ethnic nationalism contrasts with liberal civic nationalism, which champions inclusive rights irrespective of origin or beliefs.

Societal Response to Repression

Examining societal reactions, Di Caro notes the passive or even supportive attitudes toward governmental repression, both historically and in contemporary settings:

"The very highly publicized videos and photos of the suspected gang members sent off to El Salvador... some people cheer this on." ([40:48])

Kazin reflects on historical instances where public support facilitated repression, drawing parallels to today's social media-driven vindictiveness:

"In wartime, people are willing to do things that they would abhor if they were done in peacetime." ([29:48])

He warns of the dangers inherent in such societal dynamics, where fear and nationalism override individual liberties.

Conclusion: Lessons from History

In wrapping up, both host and guest acknowledge the cyclical nature of civil liberties erosion during times of national stress. Di Caro expresses concern over the Trump administration's actions':

"We'll see if this can continue in the current climate." ([40:54])

Kazin reiterates the importance of vigilance in preserving constitutional rights, drawing lessons from past mistakes to safeguard against repeating history's darker chapters.

Key Takeaways

• Historical Recurrence: The misuse of emergency powers to suppress dissent is a recurring theme in American history, evident from the Red Scare and Palmer Raids to the Trump administration's recent actions.

• Vague Legislation: Laws like the Alien Enemies Act provide broad authority that can be exploited to target individuals without due process, undermining constitutional protections.

• Nationalism and Fear: Ethnic and racial nationalism, fueled by fear of foreign influence, often serves as the foundation for justifying repression of minority groups and dissenters.

• Societal Complicity: Public support or indifference toward repressive measures amplifies their impact, making societal attitudes a critical factor in either resisting or enabling civil liberties violations.

• Need for Vigilance: Understanding historical patterns is essential in recognizing and combating contemporary threats to individual freedoms and constitutional rights.

For more insightful analyses on historical events and their modern-day implications, tune into "History As It Happens" hosted by Martin Di Caro. New episodes are released every Tuesday and Friday. Subscribe to the newsletter at Substack by searching for "History As It Happens."