Key Facts

• US District Judge Fernando Rodriguez has blocked the use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants.
• This law was created in 1798 and allows for the removal of non-citizens during times of war or invasion.
• The judge stated that the act should only be used when the US is facing an organized armed attack.
• Former President Trump used this act to deport Venezuelans to El Salvador, claiming they were part of a gang and carrying out "irregular warfare".
• Trump justified the use of special powers to deport immigrants identified as gang members without court proceedings.
• This ruling is the first time a federal judge has decided that the use of the Alien Enemies Act in this way is "unlawful".
• The judge rejected the argument that the president's use of the act was beyond the scrutiny of the courts.
• The Alien Enemies Act has been used only three times in US history: during World War Two, World War One, and the War of 1812.