A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportations of alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang accused of violent crimes. Trump invoked the rarely used wartime law, claiming the gang was conducting "irregular warfare" against the U.S.
However, Judge James Boasberg issued a 14-day restraining order, ruling that the law applies to hostile acts by nations during war, not criminal organizations. Civil rights groups and Democrats denounced Trump’s move, warning of potential mass deportations and historical parallels to World War II internment camps.
Trump’s order would allow authorities to deport Venezuelan nationals, 14 and older, suspected of gang ties, even if they seek asylum. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) successfully argued for the restraining order, saying the act has never been applied outside wartime.
Immigration advocates blasted the policy as discriminatory and legally dubious. New York Attorney General Letitia James called it "bigoted and profoundly unjust." Immigration lawyer William Vasquez noted this is the first time the law has been used against migrants from a country with which the U.S. is not at war.
The Trump administration previously designated Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel as global terrorist organizations. Critics argue Trump is using immigration fears to fuel his campaign, despite studies showing immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates than U.S. citizens.
The White House has yet to comment, and the government has appealed the judge’s ruling. Trump, who vowed mass deportations after returning to office, faces logistical hurdles with overburdened immigration courts and detention limits.