Donald Trump suffers another blow to mass deportation plan as Republican judge flips

The restraining order applies only to deportations citing the Enemy Aliens Act.

PUBLISHED 5 DAYS AGO

President Trump recently designated Tren de Aragua a terrorist organization and sought to deport its alleged members as "enemy aliens".

Washington D.C.: A federal appeals court panel ruled 2-1 on Wednesday to uphold a lower court’s restraining order blocking the Trump administration from deporting alleged gang members under the 1798 Enemy Aliens Act.

The D.C. Circuit panel’s 93-page ruling affirmed US District Judge James Boasberg’s March 15 restraining order, which halted deportations under the act. Judges Karen LeCraft Henderson (a George H.W. Bush appointee) and Patricia Millett (an Obama appointee) supported the order, while Trump-appointed Judge Justin Walker dissented. The restraining order applies only to deportations citing the Enemy Aliens Act, ensuring affected individuals receive due process.

ALSO READ

Pam Bondi's three words that will send chills down Tesla prostesters spines

Bombshell report reveals many judges ruling against Donald Trump have one thing in common

President Trump recently designated Tren de Aragua a terrorist organization and sought to deport its alleged members as "enemy aliens". However, Judge Henderson clarified that the restraining order merely preserves the status quo until legal challenges are resolved. Judge Millett criticized the administration’s approach, noting that even Nazis received hearings during World War II under the same law.

Boasberg had demanded information on why two deportation flights weren’t recalled per his order.

"No president has ever used this statute this way," she said, referencing its historical use for internment camps.

The Justice Department argued that the deportations were lawful and protected national security, calling them a "state secret" to avoid disclosing details. Boasberg had demanded information on why two deportation flights weren’t recalled per his order, accusing the administration of noncompliance. The DOJ countered that his requests were overly intrusive.

ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt, representing the plaintiffs, stated the migrants were given "no process" and deported without notice. ICE later admitted many deportees had no US criminal records.

With the appeals court’s decision, the case may now head to the Supreme Court. Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated plans to appeal if necessary.