Federal Judges Block Venezuelan Deportations Under Alien Enemies Act

Federal judges in Texas and New York have temporarily blocked the deportation of Venezuelan men under President Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling allowing such deportations. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in New York issued a temporary order mandating that immigrants be given notice and a chance to contest their deportation allegations, while Texas Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. also ruled to prevent removals from the El Valle Detention Center. Both judges expressed concern over the potential irreparable harm to individuals mistakenly deported, particularly to El Salvador, where they could face further persecution. The ACLU is representing the affected individuals and argues that the government's use of the Alien Enemies Act, which has historical precedent only during wartime, is unconstitutional in this context. The legal battles are expected to prolong the deportation process, granting each individual a right to due process. Future hearings are scheduled to determine the continuation of these restraining orders.