Breaking News: Trump-Appointed Judge Permanently Blocks Alien Enemies Act Deportations

Hours after Venezuelans form human SOS at Bluebonnet facility, Texas court delivers landmark ruling

A drone view of detainees forming the letters SOS with their bodies in the courtyard at the Bluebonnet Detention Facility, where Venezuelans at the center of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling are held, in Anson, Texas, U.S. April 28, 2025. REUTERS/Paul Ratje TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Another setback for the Trump adminsitration’s deportation policies. Trump-appointed Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has permanently enjoined the administration from deporting Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act. The May 1st ruling grants class certification and summary judgment to petitioners J.A.V., J.G.G., W.G.H., and all members of the certified class.

This landmark decision blocks the government from using the 1798 wartime law to detain, transfer or remove any class members under the March 15th presidential proclamation that claimed Tren de Aragua was "invading" the United States. Crucially, Rodriguez's order specifies the government can still pursue deportation through normal immigration proceedings u…