How did alexander palmer justify the palmer raids of 1919 and 1920?

Alexander Palmer justified the Palmer Raids of 1919 and 1920, because he believed there was a serious sense of urgency in raiding and deporting people he perceived were a threat to American ideals and believed it was his duty to protect the United States from Communism. He did not want to be stopped from this project and appointed people to take over when he was unable to lead the raids himself.