Judges in NY, Texas temporarily block deportations under wartime law

Federal judges in New York and Texas temporarily blocked the deportation of Venezuelan men, challenging the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act. This law, dating back to 1798, allows wartime deportations without due process.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein in New York ruled that detained immigrants must receive notice and a chance to respond. He allowed cases led by the ACLU to proceed as a class-action lawsuit. 

In Texas, Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered the government not to deport or move the plaintiffs until at least April 23.

The cases involve over 130 alleged Venezuelan gang members deported from the US and sent to a prison in El Salvador on March 15. More than 100 people have been removed since using other immigration laws.

The US government is reportedly paying El Salvador $6 million to house the deportees.

One deportee, wrongly removed despite a court order, now faces danger in a gang-heavy prison.