A federal judge has temporarily blocked deportations of migrants in Colorado who are subject to the Alien Enemies Act, a federal law first enacted in 1798 and invoked by President Trump on March 14.
Trump’s order claims the U.S. is under invasion by Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang that’s drawn national attention for its presence in Aurora.
The ruling follows a lawsuit alleging that two Venezuelan nationals facing removal under the act were falsely accused of belonging to the gang.
It also cites a Supreme Court decision that permits deportation under the act, but only if deportees are granted court hearings. Colorado is the latest state to pause deportations under that guidance, joining New York and Texas.
