Venezuelan Immigrants in Texas Detention Facility Face Deportation Under Rare Wartime Law
TL/DR –
U.S. immigration officials were giving orders to Venezuelan migrants in a Texas detention facility, declaring them “alien enemies” under the Alien Enemies Act and starting deportation processes. The ACLU quickly took legal action, and the Supreme Court halted any potential deportation flights in response. The Trump administration previously undertook similar actions, deporting over 200 migrants to a prison in El Salvador, prompting controversial legal debates and accusations of sidestepping Supreme Court rulings.
Venezuelan Immigrants Risk Deportation Under an 18th-century Wartime Powers Act
Lawyers aiding high-risk Venezuelan immigrants reported on Thursday evening that U.S. immigration officials were notifying detainees at a facility in Texas that they were being labeled as alien enemies under the Alien Enemies Act and consequently face removal.
The notification, a copy noted by the Supreme Court earlier this month, stated that the migrant could make a call without specifying to whom and didn’t offer any way to appeal the order.
Legal Actions and Court Interventions
The alarming notices expedited legal actions by the A.C.L.U. Notices prompted the Supreme Court’s rapid intervention, barring any flights until further notice. This move by the Trump administration raises concerns of bypassing the Supreme Court’s decision.
Last month, the Trump administration deported over 200 migrants to an El Salvador prison, citing them as “alien enemies”. An investigation found minimal clear evidence linking the deportees to the named Venezuelan gang.
Deportation of Venezuelans Escalates Legal Fight
Lawyers speculate that the administration is fast-tracking deportations under this wartime act. In recent days, detention centers moved migrants to Anson, a region currently not restricted from using the law for deportations. Once there, immigrants began receiving notices.
The administration argued that the deportations were in public interest. They await lower courts’ judgment on the matter before proceeding on the temporary block announced by the Supreme Court.
Immigrant Rights Advocates Take Fast Action
Immigrant rights advocates rushed to take action, arguing that the government is denying due process for migrants. Earlier in the week, the A.C.L.U., aware of possible Venezuelan deportations, filed a lawsuit on behalf of detainees.
Legal Battle Continues Amidst Confusion and Fear
Despite promises of no immediate deportations, A.C.L.U. lawyers received calls about potential deportations, causing further distress amongst immigrants. Immigrants were unable to comprehend the notices, which were only issued in English, and feared immediate deportation.
Supreme Court Intervenes In Legal Battle
The A.C.L.U. sought intervention from both the Supreme Court and Judge James E. Boasberg who had originally paused deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. This rapid escalation of the legal fight led to a supreme court ruling disallowing any flights until further orders.
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