Judge Blocks Alien Enemies Act Use Against Venezuelans | JQJO

A Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas has blocked the use of the Alien Enemies Act to detain and deport Venezuelan immigrants, deeming the Trump administration's invocation of the act unlawful. Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ruled that the government lacks authority under the act to detain, transfer, or remove Venezuelan nationals based on President Trump's March proclamation accusing the Tren de Aragua gang of invasion. The judge found the gang's activities, while harmful, didn't constitute an 'invasion' as defined by the act. This decision covers the Southern District of Texas and is the first to rule against the act's use against alleged gang members. The ruling could be appealed to the 5th Circuit Court and potentially the Supreme Court.