Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard has dismissed two senior officials from the National Intelligence Council (NIC), citing efforts to depoliticize intelligence operations. The firings of Mike Collins, acting chair of the NIC, and his deputy, Maria Langan-Riekhof, both with over 25 years of experience, come on the heels of a declassified memo that contradicts the Trump administration's justification for deporting Venezuelan immigrants under the Alien Enemies Act.

The declassified memo from the NIC found no credible evidence that Venezuela's government is coordinating with the Tren de Aragua gang. The memo highlighted that while some mid- and low-level officials may have ties for personal financial gain, there is no directive link between the gang and high-ranking Venezuelan officials. This assessment contradicts claims made by President Trump, who had used allegations of such coordination to justify invoking the Alien Enemies Act for deporting Venezuelan immigrants.

Gabbard's office stated that the firings were part of efforts to end the politicization of the intelligence community. Additionally, Gabbard is relocating key operations, including the NIC and the staff preparing the President's Daily Brief, from the CIA to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) facilities, granting her increased direct control. These changes are part of a broader restructuring that includes eliminating diversity programs and investigating intelligence leaks.

Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have expressed concern that these moves compromise the integrity and nonpartisan nature of intelligence assessments. Representative Jim Himes, a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, stated, "The dismissal of seasoned intelligence professionals for political reasons sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the credibility of our intelligence community."

The Alien Enemies Act, enacted in 1798, grants the U.S. president authority to detain and deport non-citizens from countries with which the U.S. is at war. Its invocation by President Trump in 2025 to deport Venezuelan immigrants marked its first use in a peacetime context, raising significant legal and ethical questions. Federal judges have ruled that the Alien Enemies Act was misapplied in this context, noting that the activities of the Tren de Aragua do not constitute acts of war or invasion. The Supreme Court recently ruled that deportations under the Alien Enemies Act require court hearings.

The recent dismissals within the U.S. intelligence community, coupled with policy decisions regarding Venezuelan immigrants, highlight a complex interplay between national security, legal frameworks, and political dynamics. These developments warrant close scrutiny to understand their broader implications for U.S. domestic and foreign policy.