A federal judge has mandated the Trump administration to grant hundreds of migrants, sent to the maximum-security CECOT center in El Salvador, the opportunity to contest their detention and deportation. This decision comes in the wake of President Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to target members of the Tren de Aragua gang, which was labeled a foreign terrorist organization. The judge’s order specifically pertains to noncitizens removed from U.S. custody on March 15 and 16, 2025, strictly due to this Presidential Proclamation.
U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg noted that these individuals were denied their right to seek habeas relief before their deportation, emphasizing that without the chance to challenge their removal, it remains uncertain whether the government’s claims against them are valid. Despite the Trump administration’s assertions that those deported were gang members, significant evidence indicates that many detainees have no genuine ties to the gang and face baseless allegations.
Following Trump’s proclamation, the administration quickly deported alleged gang members, even after a preceding ruling blocked these deportations. The U.S. Supreme Court later criticized the administration for providing only 24 hours for detainees to contest their deportations before the case was returned to an appeals court. Boasberg highlighted the Supreme Court’s unanimous stance that those facing removal under the Act must be granted a chance to challenge their deportation in federal court.
Boasberg has given the government a week to outline how it will facilitate access to habeas relief for the affected migrants, acknowledging potential sensitive issues regarding national security. The ruling has been praised by attorneys for non-profit organizations, affirming the principle that due process rights extend to all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
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