The Trump administration recently faced a setback in its efforts to deport members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, a violent group from Venezuela. This happened after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The ruling came just as the administration was preparing to deport alleged gang members detained in Texas.
Victor Avila, a former special agent with Homeland Security Investigations, discussed the situation on "Fox Report." He highlighted the concerns surrounding the gang’s activities in the U.S. and their threats to national security. The administration had released photos and criminal records of the detained gang members, aiming to make the case for their deportation.
The gang, which has thousands of members, was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department earlier this year. Officials claim that many of these members have infiltrated the U.S. and are engaging in hostile actions against the country. The administration had hoped to use the Alien Enemies Act to expedite the deportation process, but the Supreme Court’s decision halted those plans, stating that detainees must be afforded due process.
The recent ruling specifically affects those held at the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Texas. The court’s decision means that the government cannot remove these Venezuelans until further notice. Following the ruling, Trump administration lawyers argued that the government had provided adequate notice to detainees before any removals, allowing them time to challenge their deportations.
Among those detained are individuals like Henry Jose Romero-Gonzalez, who faces multiple charges, including assault and unlawful possession of a weapon. Another member, Alessandro Benedikt Parades-Worwa, is charged with aggravated assault with a weapon. Officials released images showing tattoos and weapons associated with these gang members, emphasizing their criminal backgrounds.
The administration is now exploring its options in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling. They are pushing for limited stays on deportations to allow for the removal of members who have already been processed. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing gang violence and illegal immigration in the U.S. as officials work to balance enforcement with legal rights.