Judge Deals Major Blow to Trump’s Agenda

“This is not what our Founders had in mind!”

President Donald Trump slammed the U.S. judicial system on Saturday after a federal judge blocked his administration from using the centuries-old Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan gang members. Taking to Truth Social, Trump questioned how criminals—including murderers—could be allowed to stay in the country, warning that the decision could lead to a future “filled with crime.”

The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr., prevents the deportation of individuals linked to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The judge found that the law was originally meant to deal with threats from foreign powers or organized military forces—not criminal gangs. In a 36-page decision, he stated there was no evidence the Venezuelan government was directing an armed group to enter the U.S., which is required under the statute.

This legal setback comes after Trump attempted to use the AEA in March to justify deporting gang members, citing evidence like gang-related tattoos. The administration had already transferred several individuals to high-security facilities in El Salvador before the judge intervened.

The decision also adds fuel to an ongoing legal fight surrounding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 600,000 Venezuelans. Plaintiffs in the case argued that many were unfairly targeted, and that body art alone shouldn’t justify deportation without due process.

Trump’s team argues that such measures are essential to national security and keeping dangerous individuals off American streets. The Department of Justice has already announced plans to appeal the ruling and is also exploring alternative legal strategies to resume the deportations.

The case highlights deep tensions between the administration’s tough immigration stance and the judiciary’s interpretation of longstanding legal protections. Its outcome could shape how future administrations enforce immigration laws tied to criminal activity.

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