A federal appeals court won’t lift an order barring the Trump administration from deporting Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador under an 18th century wartime law.

Summary

A federal appeals court upheld a ruling blocking the Trump administration from deporting Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

The administration had invoked the law to deport migrants linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, labeling them an invading force.

Judges Karen LeCraft Henderson and Patricia Millett upheld the injunction, while Judge Justin Walker dissented.

The ACLU argued that wartime powers are inapplicable without an invasion.

The case has intensified tensions between the Trump administration and federal courts, with some Republicans calling for Judge Boasberg’s impeachment.