Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Trump Administration’s Deportations Under Alien Enemies Act

The Colorado ruling blocks deportations of Venezuelans accused of gang ties, enforcing Supreme Court-mandated due process requirements.

Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney issued a 14-day restraining order blocking deportations in Colorado under the Alien Enemies Act, with a hearing set for April 21.
The Trump administration invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to target Venezuelan noncitizens allegedly linked to the Tren de Aragua gang.
The ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of two Venezuelan men, challenging the legality of the act’s use and citing violations of due process and Congressional authority.
A recent Supreme Court ruling affirmed that individuals facing deportation under the act must receive federal court hearings before removal.
The case highlights escalating tensions between the executive branch and federal courts over immigration enforcement and the use of historical statutes.