Trump's Use of 1798 Law to Deport Venezuelans Faces Legal Challenge

The administration defends deportations despite a federal judge's restraining order, raising constitutional and human rights concerns.

President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, marking its first use since World War II.
A federal judge issued a restraining order to halt deportations, but the administration proceeded, citing that flights had already left U.S. airspace.
The administration argues the judge's verbal directive to turn flights around was not enforceable, sparking accusations of defying judicial authority.
Human rights groups claim the deportations violated due process and risk exposing deportees to torture in Salvadoran prisons, where they are being held under a U.S.-funded agreement.
The legal battle has intensified concerns about the separation of powers and the use of wartime laws for immigration enforcement.