A federal judge has upheld a block on deportations ordered by President Donald Trump, citing the risk of torture and beatings faced by deportees in El Salvador. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled that the Venezuelan migrants, allegedly linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, deserve court hearings before deportation. The ruling came on Monday (March 17), as Judge Boasberg denied the Trump administration's request to dissolve the order blocking the deportations, stating that the use of the Alien Enemies Act does not eliminate the need for due process.
Judge Boasberg highlighted that the deported individuals have been irreparably harmed by being sent to El Salvadoran prisons, where they face life-threatening conditions. The judge emphasized that the men are entitled to individualized hearings to contest their alleged gang membership.
The Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime authority, to deport noncitizens with minimal due process, arguing that the Tren de Aragua gang poses a national security threat.
The Trump administration plans to appeal the decision, with a federal appeals court set to hear arguments. If overturned, the administration could resume deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. Meanwhile, Democratic senators have criticized the administration's actions, arguing that the deportations lack due process and violate human rights.