"These regulations do not apply to cars that are at least 25 years old, but owners of the grabbed vehicles had no chance to present a defense before their SUVs were taken. The owners were only given until June 23 to file a formal contest to the seizures, which they could not have done because the court did not unseal the case until July 16. US District Judge James C. Fox denied a request to give owners more time to contest the seizure of their property."
Perfect authoritarian thinking. Citizen, you had a chance to appeal and you didn't. You are guilty and now you are talking to the press; another offense. Now be quiet and pay your taxes ... or else.
Scary when due process is denied, particularly in a federal crime. Once the cars are melted down, then what?