Judge Maintains Block on Trump's Deportation of Venezuelans

What Happened?

A federal court has rejected the Trump administration’s effort under an 18th-century wartime act to deport Venezuelan immigrants accused of gang ties.

Judge James Boasberg announced Monday that attempts to vacate orders protecting the Venezuelans must receive hearings contesting the allegations before removal.

'The named Plaintiffs dispute they are members of Tren de Aragua; they may not be deported until a court decides the merits of their challenge,' Boasberg wrote.

A group of Venezuelan men in immigration custody filed a lawsuit after being accused of affiliation with the Tren de Aragua gang.

The move clashes with President Donald Trump's actions to invoke the Alien Enemies Act that permits the deportation of foreign nationals during wars or 'invasions.'

Trump claims that the activities of the Tren de Aragua Venezuelan gang constitute such an invasion to invoke the act.

Boasberg pointed to Trump’s 'unprecedented use of the Act outside of the typical wartime context' in his decision.

Five Venezuelan immigrants had secured emergency relief just hours before the Trump administration said it would use the act, according to Boasberg’s order.

Several of the migrants argued they fled Venezuela to escape the Tren de Aragua gang.

The White House denied allegations that it engaged in 'a blatant violation' of Judge Boasberg's order.

Why it Matters

Trump and his allies have called for various judges to be impeached for blocking administration policies in the first months of his second term.

Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court issued a rare statement following Trump's impeachment call over migrant deportations.

'For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision,' Judge Roberts said. 'The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.'

The Trump administration has continued to push back, implying in court filings that the government reportedly had other legal grounds for the deportations.

Trump said Monday that the U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on countries that buy oil and gas from Venezuela beginning April 2.

On Truth Social, Trump said the move was issued 'for numerous reasons,' including Venezuela's alleged act of 'purposefully and deceitfully' sending tens of thousands of undercover, high-level, and other criminals to the U.S.

One of those groups allegedly sent is the Tren de Aragua, which has been designated a 'Foreign Terrorist Organization.'

Countries that buy oil and gas from Venezuela will face hefty levies on any trade with the U.S once the measure is in effect.

How it Affects You

Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agents under Trump's guidance aim to ramp up efforts amid these ongoing legal battles.

But key court decisions have cast doubt on Trump's allegations of national security risks by the group of Venezuelan men.

Some note that the men would still be detained within the U.S. if not deported.

Lawyers have argued that the president exceeded his authority by using the 18th-century act outside of wartime.

Trump's administration states this falls under the president's powers, and the judiciary does not have the right to review the use of the act.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals will weigh overturning Boasberg's decision.

If successful, it could prompt swift action by Trump to deport suspected migrant criminals with minimal due process.