Federal Judge Allows Trump Use of Alien Enemies Act for Fast-Track Deportations in Pennsylvania

A federal judge in Pennsylvania, Stephanie L. Haines, has ruled that the Trump administration can invoke the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to expedite deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members, specifically those linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, which the administration has designated as a foreign terrorist organization. While Judge Haines approved the administration's use of the law, she mandated that targeted migrants receive at least 21 days' notice in both English and Spanish, along with the opportunity to challenge their removals. This ruling marks the first judicial approval of the administration's interpretation of the Act, contrasting with decisions in other states such as Texas, New York, and Colorado, where courts have blocked such deportations, arguing the law was intended for military invasions, not immigration enforcement. Judge Haines emphasized that the Act applies to acts by foreign terrorist organizations, not solely military invasions, though she acknowledged unresolved legal questions and left broader policy decisions to the political branches. The ruling opens the door for deportations to proceed in her jurisdiction, including the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, while legal challenges and appeals are expected. Human rights advocates and policy experts have criticized the ruling, highlighting concerns over due process and the administration's characterization of the gang's ties to the Venezuelan government, which lacks endorsement from U.S. intelligence agencies.