Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Mar 16: A US federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to fast-track the deportation of Venezuelan gang members using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, The Guardian reported.

US District Judge James E Boasberg issued the emergency ruling late Saturday, halting deportations just hours after President Donald Trump invoked the rarely used law. The act, historically applied during wartime, would have allowed authorities to bypass standard immigration proceedings.

The administration had already begun deporting Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador and Honduras under the order. Boasberg, citing concerns over due process, ruled that a temporary halt would not harm the government, while affected individuals faced irreversible consequences.

Trump justified the move by claiming that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was orchestrating an ‘invasion’ of the United States, posing a direct national security threat. The order would have granted sweeping powers to deport suspected gang members without court review.

The ACLU and Democracy Forward quickly challenged the order, filing a lawsuit on behalf of five Venezuelan migrants. In response, the Justice Department warned that blocking the administration's actions could “paralyze executive power” in national security matters.

Boasberg extended the pause on deportations for 14 days, with a follow-up hearing set for Friday. The ruling marks a significant legal hurdle for Trump’s immigration crackdown, as his administration continues to push for tougher measures ahead of the 2024 elections.