r/TexasPolitics:

u/JC_Everyman

That Ken Paxton is a “rising star of MAGA” is all you need to know about MAGA.
u/Ok_Permission2523

The DOGE mentality is in full effect in Texas. The Board of Regents’ announcement of the new interim president of UT Austin already referenced “operational and financial efficiencies” as a priority…
u/Ok_Permission2523

“You’re talking about barring a citizen from entering the US. I just don’t see this as possible.” I really hope you’re right! So far, the “facilitation” order from SCOTUS has not prompted any action from the administration.
u/Ok_Permission2523

“Now let’s talk about our inability to get someone back. We’ve never had that problem with citizens, at least those who didn’t break laws in the foreign country.” Inadvertently or not, you hit the nail on the head. We may very well be able to get a citizen back when we want to get them back. Trump has openly discussed sending “homegrowns” (US citizens) to El Salvador. I don’t think he has any intention of folks he sends to a foreign prison coming back. If you trust Trump (and any future administration) with this power, that’s your call.
u/Ok_Permission2523

The evidence that Garcia is a gang member is very questionable. All that the government is going on is a tip from a disgraced former informant and the fact that he was wearing some Chicago Bulls gear. More importantly, will you address the larger point that this case represents? If this stands, there is nothing that prevents Trump or a future POTUS from quickly disappearing citizens to another country and then claiming an inability to return them. That’s it. Trump has already said openly that he’s looking into sending US citizens to this foreign prison.
u/Ok_Permission2523

Thanks for the input! From my perspective, there are two separate answers to your question: If an administration decides that the only remaining choices are 1) removing someone to a foreign prison known for torture or 2) detaining them here, I think you have to go with the latter. Your question implies that the use of this tactic will remain isolated to non-citizens. Trump’s already talking about sending the “homegrown” criminals to El Salvador. As I say in my original post, there’s no limiting principle that would prevent Trump or a future POTUS from using this approach with citizens.
u/Ok_Permission2523

I’d (honestly) love to hear why you think the title is disingenuous.
u/Ok_Permission2523

Yes, I’m here for rational conversation and debate. However, my disagreement with your logic stems from the fact that the word “overthrow” is an incredibly broad term that has many implications. “Overthrow” can mean change via violence, for sure, but it can also and very legitimately just mean changing the system of power by any number of means. You can “overthrow” a governing system/apparatus via elections, via protests, via incremental reform, via constitutional changes, and yes, via violence.
u/Ok_Permission2523

“There will come a time when a Democrat wins again, wins the White House,” Cruz said. “They will silence us. They will use this power, and they will use it ruthlessly.” This is what I’ve been saying to others who embrace this authoritarianism at their own peril: All of these expansive powers will be in the hands of someone you dont agree with in the future.