Topline
A federal judge Thursday blocked the Trump administration from deporting Venezuelans using an 18th century law that has been used just three other times in U.S. history, issuing the first permanent injunction against the administration’s use of the law.
The ruling was issued Thursday. (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Key Facts
District Court Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. said in a filing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 cannot be used against people the Trump administration alleges are gang members.
Rodriguez’s ruling, which argues the Trump administration is not using the law properly, is the first permanent injunction barring the deportations of Venezuelans from South Texas.
The ruling differs from Washington, D.C., District Court Judge James Boasberg’s temporary ruling against the deportations last month that was later overturned by the Supreme Court, which said Boasberg did not have authority to rule on the matter because the deportations took place in Texas, where Rodriguez is based.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
