Federal Judge Bars Trump Administration from Deporting Venezuelans Under Alien Enemies Act

A federal judge in Texas, appointed by former President Trump, has issued a permanent injunction blocking the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to detain or deport Venezuelan migrants alleged to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Judge Fernando Rodriguez ruled that the AEA, a wartime statute, cannot be invoked in this context because its scope is limited to times when the U.S. is at war or under armed attack. The court found President Trump's March proclamation exceeded the statutory authority and was contrary to the AEA's historical intent and plain language. The ruling clarifies that while the administration can still pursue removal proceedings under the Immigration and Nationality Act, it cannot use the AEA as justification for such actions against Venezuelan migrants in southern Texas. This decision represents a significant setback for the administration's immigration enforcement strategy. The case may ultimately lead to further legal challenges at the U.S. Supreme Court.