US: Federal judge extends halt on Trump’s use of wartime law for deportations

A US federal judge has extended the temporary suspension of President Donald Trump’s use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members. 

The decision, issued on Friday by US District Judge James Boasberg, prolongs the hold until April 12 as legal proceedings continue. Boasberg had initially imposed a two-week freeze on March 15 after Trump invoked the law.

The American Civil Liberties Union has challenged the administration’s reliance on the act, arguing that it deprives migrants of “the due process to contest allegations of gang membership.” The case centers on alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang, whom the administration attempted to swiftly deport to El Salvador.

Trump’s administration maintains that the gang, which was designated a terrorist organization in February, has engaged in “irregular warfare” within the US Officials further argue that the group’s presence constitutes an invasion, warranting the use of the law.

Historically, the Alien Enemies Act has been invoked three times: during the War of 1812, during World War One, and during World War Two, when it was used to intern and deport Japanese, Italian, and German immigrants.

The US Circuit Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld Boasberg’s initial decision to block Trump’s use of the law, ruling 2-1 in favor of the pause. A judge appointed by Trump dissented. Meanwhile, the administration has asked the Supreme Court to lift the restrictions on deportations.

(Reuters)