A federal judge in Texas has allowed Venezuelans targeted under the Alien Enemies Act to proceed with a class-action lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the legality of their designation and deportation. Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr., appointed by Trump, argued that common legal questions in the case justify a class action, while individual determinations would require separate hearings. The Trump administration's claim that Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua constitutes an invasion was rejected, as the judge found this exceeded the scope of the Alien Enemies Act. The court also issued a temporary restraining order preventing the deportation of Venezuelans in the judge's district, citing misuse of the law by the administration. If appealed, the case would proceed to the conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, with the Supreme Court having previously ruled on the need for reasonable time to contest deportations under the Act.

U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has ruled that Venezuelans designated as alien enemies under the Alien Enemies Act can pursue a class-action lawsuit against the Trump administration, citing the need to address common legal questions collectively.

The lawsuit challenges the Trump administration’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, arguing that the criteria for designating individuals as alien enemies are not met and that the deportation procedures violate constitutional rights and international agreements.

The Trump administration claimed that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua posed an invasion threat, justifying actions under the Alien Enemies Act, but the judge found this interpretation to exceed the statute's intended scope.

A temporary restraining order was issued by the court to halt the deportation of Venezuelans detained in the Southern District of Texas, expanding the protection to those in cities like Houston and Galveston, due to concerns over the legality of the administration's actions.

The court's decision marks the first permanent injunction against the use of the Alien Enemies Act by the Trump administration, with the judge emphasizing that the Act has historically been used only during major wars and not for situations like the current case.

If the administration appeals, the case will be heard by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, known for its conservative rulings, particularly on immigration issues. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that suspected gang members must be given reasonable time to contest deportations under the Act.