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Intelligence Report Challenges Trump’s Justification for Venezuelan Deportations

A classified assessment finds no evidence linking Tren de Aragua to Maduro’s regime, undermining the administration’s rationale for invoking the Alien Enemies Act.

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Inmates pictured at the Centre for Terrorism Confinement, a high security prison in El Salvador, April 4, 2025. The U.S. has deported more than 200 people who it alleges are members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to this facility.
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Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States can be seen gesturing while walking down a plane upon arrival at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela on March 28, 2025. (Photo by Pedro MATTEY / AFP) (Photo by PEDRO MATTEY/AFP via Getty Images)

Overview

  • The National Intelligence Council's classified assessment concludes that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is not directed or supported by Nicolás Maduro’s government.
  • The intelligence finding, supported by 17 of 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, contradicts President Trump’s claim that the gang is part of an invasion orchestrated by Venezuela.
  • The Supreme Court recently ruled that deportations under the Alien Enemies Act can proceed but must include due process, requiring court hearings for detainees.
  • Deportations of alleged gang members to El Salvador continue, despite legal challenges and a federal judge considering contempt proceedings against administration officials for defying court orders.
  • The ACLU has filed lawsuits asserting that the Alien Enemies Act cannot lawfully be applied to a criminal gang, raising questions about executive overreach and due process rights.