Judges extend restrictions on Donald Trump’s plan to deport Venezuelan gang members

A federal judge in Washington, DC, extended a restraining order preventing the Trump administration from using a centuries-old wartime law to deport Venezuelan nationals accused of gang affiliation, reports Fox news.
The order was issued by US district judge James Boasberg on Friday and is set to remain in place until at least April 12.
The Trump administration had invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport individuals it claims are members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA), a violent Venezuelan gang. However, Boasberg ruled that more time was needed to assess the legal arguments surrounding its use.
In a separate ruling on Friday, a federal judge in Boston also blocked the deportation of migrants to countries with which they have no existing ties unless they are given the chance to contest the move in court.
Trump administration pushes back
The Trump administration swiftly reacted to Boasberg’s decision, filing an emergency appeal in a higher court. Meanwhile, U.S. Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris urged the Supreme Court to review the ruling, arguing that it “limits the administration’s ability to protect the Nation against foreign terrorist organizations.”
Harris also claimed the lower court’s orders were “flawed” and could disrupt “sensitive negotiations” with foreign governments. She warned of “serious and perhaps irreparable harm” if the restraining order remained in place.
Deportation flights ordered to return
Boasberg had initially issued a temporary restraining order last week, halting deportations under the Alien Enemies Act and ordering that any planes carrying Venezuelan nationals or other affected deportees be returned.
The Trump administration has since asked the Supreme Court to intervene, arguing that the lower courts are interfering with its immigration policies.
Additional hearings on the matter are scheduled for April 8, with the Supreme Court also being asked to weigh in on the ongoing dispute. The administration maintains that its actions are necessary for national security, while opponents argue that mass deportations under the Alien Enemies Act could set a dangerous precedent.