Federal Judge Halts Deportation Flights, Orders Venezuelan Immigrants Returned

A U.S. federal judge, James Boasberg, issued a temporary ruling on Saturday halting the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan gang members, specifically targeting the Tren de Aragua gang. This order requires the return of any planes already transporting these individuals to El Salvador and Honduras, emphasizing that the deportees will remain in U.S. custody during the legal proceedings. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by the ACLU and Democracy Forward, questioning the legality of the administration's actions under this rarely used 18th-century law. Trump's administration had aimed to expedite deportations, claiming an invasion by the gang, but the judge noted that a brief delay in removal does not harm the government. The order will remain in effect for 14 days, pending further assessment of the case. Senator Mike Lee expressed discontent with the ruling, calling for legal action against it.