A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from hastily deporting five Venezuelan individuals under the seldom-used wartime deportation law.
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg took swift action on Saturday, citing urgent circumstances, following a lawsuit filed on behalf of the five Venezuelans who faced imminent deportation due to President Trump’s anticipated activation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
The Legal Battle
Judge Boasberg, presiding over the federal court in Washington, D.C., scheduled a hearing later that day to address the lawsuit’s request for protection against immediate deportation for others potentially affected by the administration’s actions.
The legal challenge, led by Democracy Forward and the ACLU, underscores that the Alien Enemies Act has historically been invoked only during times of war, including the War of 1812 and both World Wars. Judge Boasberg’s swift order, issued before the administration could respond, reflects the gravity of the situation.
It is important to note that this ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing immigration debate, highlighting the complexities and legal nuances surrounding deportation policies.
