Judge John Holcomb issued a ruling on Monday that has blocked the Trump administration from deporting a Venezuelan migrant named Darwin Arevalo under the provisions of the Alien Enemies Act. The decision was made by U.S. District Court Judge John Holcomb, who is known as a Trump appointee, and he emphasized that the government must ensure due process for those facing deportation under this act. This includes providing a detailed notice and allowing individuals to challenge the decision before it is enforced.
Although the ruling temporarily halts the deportation of Darwin Arevalo, it also affirms President Trump’s claim that he has ‘unlimited’ authority to implement the Alien Enemies Act. This act, which has its roots in 18th-century American law, has been utilized in recent years by the Trump administration as a tool for deporting migrants, especially those from Venezuela. The decision has sparked discussion, as it appears to support Trump’s immigration policies, which are often viewed as favoring the interests of U.S. businesses and the national security.
The case of Darwin Arevalo has drawn particular attention because he is a Venezuelan citizen who claims to be a ‘vocal dissident’ of the Venezuelan government and has been granted a permit to live and work in the U.S. pending the review of his asylum application. He was arrested following a scheduled ICE check-in, with the arrest based on his status as a Venezuelan citizen and alleged connections to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, known for its criminal activities. These allegations have led to his current legal battle, aimed at securing his rights as a citizen of a country in crisis.
As part of his lawsuit, Arevalo is requesting that the government provide at least 30 days’ notice before any deportation or transfer, which he argues is essential for due process. The implications of this case extend beyond the individual, affecting the broader debate over the use of the Alien Enemies Act and the rights of migrants in the United States. This ruling occurs in the context of other ongoing legal challenges, including a recent Supreme Court decision that upheld Trump’s actions in halting the deportation of Venezuelan citizens. The use of the AEA continues to be controversial, as it represents a significant tool for the administration to manage migration under the guise of national security and economic interest.