Alien Enemies Act removals

Status: In litigation — Alien Enemies Act removals — J.G.G. v. Trump / A.A.R.P. v. Trump / W.M.M. v. Trump (J.G.G. — 1:25-cv-00766 (D.D.C.); A.A.R.P./W.M.M. — No. 24A1007 (U.S. Supreme Court) / No. 25-10534 (5th Cir.) / 1:25-cv-59 (N.D. Tex.); Trump v. J.G.G. — No. 24A931 (U.S. Supreme Court))

Active litigation on multiple tracks — no final merits ruling; AEA summary removals of the class remain restrained pending appeal

Next step: Awaiting the Fifth Circuit en banc decision on whether the Tren de Aragua proclamation is a lawful AEA invocation (argued en banc Jan 22, 2026; no decision date set). On the contempt track, the full D.C. Circuit will hear the en banc appeal of Judge Boasberg's criminal-contempt inquiry on Sept 29, 2026.

Verified against the primary source as of 2026-07-25 — status can change with a single court ruling. Official source.

What’s happening

Active litigation on multiple tracks — no final merits ruling; AEA summary removals of the class remain restrained pending appeal

Who it affects

Venezuelan nationals physically in the U.S. (largely men in immigration detention) whom the government alleges are Tren de Aragua members and sought to remove summarily under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, plus the group already deported to El Salvador’s CECOT prison. The Supreme Court held that anyone facing AEA removal must receive notice and a meaningful chance to seek habeas review before removal.

How it got here

  1. Mar 14, 2025 President Trump signs Proclamation 10903 invoking the Alien Enemies Act, designating Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and directing summary removal of alleged members.
  2. Mar 16, 2025 137 Venezuelans removed under the AEA arrive at El Salvador's CECOT prison (260+ migrants total on the flights).
  3. Apr 7, 2025 Supreme Court per curiam in Trump v. J.G.G. (No. 24A931) vacates Boasberg's TRO, holding challenges must proceed as habeas petitions in the district of detention; all nine justices agree AEA detainees are entitled to due process/notice.
  4. May 16, 2025 Supreme Court per curiam in A.A.R.P. v. Trump finds the ~24-hour notice inadequate, vacates, and remands to the Fifth Circuit to decide notice requirements and the proclamation's lawfulness; injunction kept in place.
  5. Feb 12, 2026 Boasberg orders the government to facilitate the return of any of the 137 deportees who wish to challenge removal in the U.S. — issuing 'boarding letters' and paying airfare; status report due March 13.

What to watch next

Awaiting the Fifth Circuit en banc decision on whether the Tren de Aragua proclamation is a lawful AEA invocation (argued en banc Jan 22, 2026; no decision date set). On the contempt track, the full D.C. Circuit will hear the en banc appeal of Judge Boasberg’s criminal-contempt inquiry on Sept 29, 2026.

Official sources

This page is general information about ongoing litigation, not legal advice. A case’s status can change with a single ruling, and outcomes can turn on facts specific to each person. For advice on a specific situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.