Fifth circuit says Alien Enemies Act can not justify removal of Venezuelans accused of gang ties in peacetime

A court ruling that blocked Donald Trump from invoking the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans he alleged were part of a criminal gang has been hailed as “a victory for the rule of law”.

In a 2-1 decision on Tuesday, a three-judge panel of the 5th US circuit court of appeals issued a preliminary injunction that prevents the Trump administration using the 1798 law to justify rapid deportations.