A Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas ruled that President Trump unlawfully invoked the Alien Enemies Act to expedite the deportation of alleged members of the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. This decision prevents the administration from using this law for detention or deportation within the judge's district.
The ruling is significant because it's the first to conclude that the president overstepped his authority by using an 18th-century wartime law during peacetime. The judge stated that the president lacks the power to unilaterally declare a foreign threat and invoke the Act.
The Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act faced numerous legal challenges, including a Supreme Court ruling requiring proper notice for those targeted. However, this decision directly addresses the legality of the president's invocation of the Act. The administration is expected to appeal the decision, potentially leading to a Supreme Court review.
The ruling directly impacts Venezuelan migrants who had been slated for deportation. While they remain in detention, the judge clarified that other immigration laws can still be applied. The judge's decision also highlights ongoing cases in different states involving the same law.