A U.S. federal judge temporarily blocked deportations under President Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act against alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Trump invoked the act, claiming the U.S. faced an invasion from the gang, linked to serious crimes. Judge James Boasberg issued a 14-day restraining order, stating the act doesn't justify the proclamation as "invasion" relates to hostile acts by a nation during war.

Trump asserted the gang was conducting irregular warfare to destabilize the U.S. The act, typically used in wartime, could bypass due process for migrants deemed threats, enabling rapid deportation. The White House released the proclamation with wording suggesting Trump signed it on Friday.

ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt argued the proclamation was unlawful, cautioning against using wartime authority for immigration during peacetime. Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized the order, saying it favored terrorists over American safety, disregarding presidential power and endangering the public and law enforcement.

In March 2025, South Africa's ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, spoke at the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C., on December 6, 2013. Secretary of State Marco Rubio...