Judge Blocks Deportations Under 18th-Century Law in Colorado

• Halt to the Alien Enemies Act
• Venezuelans accused of gang ties
• ACLU wins temporary court victory

A federal judge in Colorado has temporarily halted the deportations of undocumented immigrants under a law that is more than 200 years old.

Charlotte N. Sweeney, U.S. District Judge for Colorado, ruled in favor of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

The case involves two Venezuelan nationals accused of ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, allegations they firmly deny according to their attorneys.

The ruling currently blocks the deportations of all foreign nationals detained in Colorado under the Alien Enemies Act.

Judge Halts Venezuelan Deportations in Colorado

Another legal blow to Trump: judge blocks deportations in Colorado, NY, and Texas https://t.co/88grjtgkvo

– Milenio (@milenio) April 15, 2025

This law was invoked last month by President Donald Trump.

According to the ACLU, the statute has only been used three times in U.S. history.

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The last time it was enforced was during World War II, targeting U.S. citizens of Japanese descent.

Judge Charlotte Sweeney has scheduled a hearing for April 21. Until then, the suspension order will remain in effect for 14 days.

The decision was made following a Supreme Court ruling that requires appeal hearings for individuals facing deportation under the Alien Enemies Act.

Other federal judges in New York and Texas have also issued similar suspensions until clear appellate procedures are established.

One of the Venezuelans protected by the ruling, identified as DBU, fled his country after being imprisoned for political reasons, according to EFE.

He was detained in January during a raid on a suspected Tren de Aragua party in Adams County.

The DEA reported that 41 of those arrested that night lacked legal immigration status. Some, including DBU, were linked to the gang due to gang-related tattoos.

The second immigrant shielded by the order is RMM, 25, who escaped Venezuela after family members were murdered by gang members.

He was detained in March near a building associated with the organization and was also identified by his tattoos.

The ACLU argued that the law only applies to enemies during wartime, and that these cases do not fall under that definition.