Judge Blocks Trump’s Use of Wartime Law to Deport Venezuelan Nationals
TL/DR –
A US judge has halted the deportation of five Venezuelan nationals, ruling the Trump administration cannot invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a law designed primarily for use in wartime. The lawsuit brought by civil liberties groups ACLU and Democracy Forward argued the act could not be applied to Venezuela, a country with which the US is not at war. The Trump administration had been attempting to use the act to deport members of the Tren de Aragua gang from Venezuela, arguing they had unlawfully infiltrated the US.
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from using a 227-year-old law to deport five Venezuelan nationals in the US.
District judge James Boasberg issued an immediate halt, ordering any deporting planes to be turned around. The administration was flying migrants it claimed were deportable to El Salvador and Honduras.
Earlier, Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, alleging Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua members had “unlawfully infiltrated the United States.”
Alien Enemies Act historical perspective
The ACLU and Democracy Forward highlighted that the Alien Enemies Act has only been invoked three times in US history: the war of 1812 and the two world wars in a lawsuit against its application.
“It cannot be used here against Venezuela – a country we aren’t at war with or invading the US,” the lawsuit stated, adding that the act could lead to immediate deportations without review.
Previously, Trump ordered Tren De Aragua’s designation as a foreign terrorist organization.
Concerns were raised by the ACLU over Trump using the act “unlawfully during peacetime to accelerate mass deportations.”
Trump orders airstrikes on Yemen
Trump ordered airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, following threats from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels to attack Israeli vessels off Yemen. He vowed to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis cease their attacks.
Houthi-run health ministry reported at least 13 civilians killed and nine injured in the US strikes on Sana’a.
Trump order to cut DEI support proceeds on appeal
Trump administration won a legal battle to end government support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, as appeals court lifted a block on such executive orders.
The case raised concerns about first amendment rights, said two judges of the fourth US circuit court of appeals.
Journalists at Voice of America placed on administrative leave
Journalists at Voice of America were put on administrative leave following Trump’s order eliminating the US Agency for Global Media, VoA’s parent company.
Reporters at VoA were placed on leave with full pay and benefits, according to an internal memo.
Trump’s approach towards Putin and Ukraine
Vladimir Putin’s acceptance of a ceasefire in Ukraine is still uncertain, and it’s unclear if Trump is ready to exert pressure on Moscow when Putin’s “nuances” become clear.
Public backlash against Musk affects Tesla
Protests against Elon Musk’s role in Trump’s administration have escalated into vandalism against Tesla’s businesses and vehicles.
The Department of Defense imitates Hegseth’s opinions
Hegseth’s Fox News career is impacting policies at the Department of Defense, with a focus on DEI purging, according to Brig Gen Paul Eaton.
Other notable events today:
- Tornadoes across the US have resulted in at least 32 deaths.
- The Trump administration is considering travel restrictions for dozens of countries.
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