Federal judges in New York and Texas have issued temporary injunctions, preventing the Department of Justice (DOJ) from deporting certain Venezuelan migrants. The migrants were facing deportation under the Alien Enemies Act, a law invoked by the previous administration. The rulings offer a temporary reprieve while the courts consider legal challenges to the deportations.
The Alien Enemies Act, originally enacted in 1798, grants the president broad powers to detain and deport citizens of hostile nations during times of war or declared national emergency. The Trump administration used this act to expedite the removal of some Venezuelan migrants, arguing that their presence posed a threat to national security.
However, critics argue that applying the Alien Enemies Act in this context is an overreach of executive power. They contend that Venezuela is not officially at war with the United States, and that the migrants deserve due process under immigration laws. The judges in both New York and Texas appeared to agree, at least temporarily, halting the deportations to allow for further legal review. The DOJ has not yet commented on the rulings, but is expected to appeal.
Judges Halt Deportations Under Alien Enemies Act
Federal judges in New York and Texas have temporarily stopped the deportation of some Venezuelan migrants. These migrants were facing removal under a law called the Alien Enemies Act, which was used by the Trump administration. The rulings prevent the Department of Justice from deporting the individuals while legal challenges are ongoing. This decision provides temporary relief for the migrants involved.
Source: Read the original article at CBS