Judge Approves Trump Alien Enemies Act Deportations

Federal Judge Stephanie Haines in Pennsylvania became the first to approve President Donald Trump's use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to expedite deportations of accused Venezuelan gang members, specifically those linked to Tren de Aragua, which Trump has designated a terrorist organization. The ruling requires the administration to provide at least 21 days' notice in both English and Spanish to affected individuals and grants an opportunity to challenge deportations in court. This decision contrasts with rulings in New York, Colorado, and Texas, where judges have rejected the administration's interpretation of the law's historical requirements. The federal court split is expected to prompt further legal challenges and possible Supreme Court review. Separately, controversy persists over the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, with his attorneys accusing the administration of withholding information and misusing the state secrets privilege. Legal experts and intelligence officials have also raised doubts about the administration's assertions linking Tren de Aragua directly to the Venezuelan government.