A federal appeals court has upheld a temporary block on President Donald Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 to maintain the lower court's orders while legal challenges continue. President Trump had invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to expedite deportations, but U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued temporary restraining orders on March 15, limiting the president's authority under this rarely used wartime law.

The DC Circuit Court decision means the Trump administration cannot use the Alien Enemies Act to deport individuals without further legal review. The government argued that the act was necessary to remove individuals posing threats to national security. However, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) contended that the act requires a declared war or invasion by a foreign government, which was not the case here.

The ACLU's legal team argued that allowing the president to designate any group as enemy aliens without review could lead to limitless deportations. Judge Boasberg is also investigating whether officials intentionally disregarded his orders. President Trump criticized the judge and called for his impeachment, prompting a rare rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts.

The legal battle over the Alien Enemies Act is ongoing, and the case may set significant precedents regarding the executive's power in immigration matters. The Trump administration's use of the act marks its fourth invocation in U.S. history, with previous uses occurring during declared wars.

Ed Lambert