Judge Boasberg has extended a restraining order blocking the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan nationals identified as Tren de Aragua gang members who are in the country illegally. The move came just hours after the Trump administration requested the Supreme Court to allow the deportation flights to continue during the appeal process. The extension will remain in effect until April 12.
Last week, Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order blocking the president from using the act to deport Venezuelan nationals, citing the need for more time to evaluate the case’s merits. In a bench ruling, Boasberg ordered that any planes transporting Venezuelan nationals or other deportees under the Alien Enemies Act be returned. In response, the administration filed an emergency request for the U.S. appeals court to intervene.
Separately on Friday, a federal judge in Boston blocked the deportation of migrants to countries with which they have no existing ties without giving them an opportunity to challenge the move in court.
