DENVER, CO - A federal judge in Colorado has temporarily prevented the government from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport noncitizens residing in the state. The ruling, issued Tuesday, mandates that individuals targeted for deportation under the Act receive a minimum of 21 days' notice before any action is taken.
The Alien Enemies Act, a law dating back to 1798, grants the president broad powers to detain or deport citizens of enemy nations during times of war or declared national emergency. The recent application of the Act to noncitizens in Colorado had drawn criticism from civil rights groups and immigration advocates, who argued that it violated due process rights.
The judge's decision cited concerns about the lack of adequate notice provided to individuals facing deportation under the Act. The court found that the government's procedures did not sufficiently inform affected individuals of their rights or provide them with an opportunity to challenge their deportation.
The temporary injunction will remain in effect while the court further considers the legality of using the Alien Enemies Act in this context. The case is expected to have broader implications for immigration policy and the rights of noncitizens in the United States. The Department of Justice has not yet commented on the ruling.
Judge Halts Use of Alien Enemies Act for Colorado Deportations
A federal judge in Colorado has issued a temporary block on the use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport noncitizens. The ruling requires the government to provide affected individuals with at least three weeks' notice before any deportation proceedings. This decision offers a brief reprieve for those facing potential removal under the controversial law. The judge cited concerns about due process in the application of the Act.
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