Judge orders government to facilitate return of some Venezuelan migrants deported under Alien Enemies Act

A federal judge ordered the U.S. government to facilitate the return of some Venezuelan migrants deported under the Alien Enemies Act, and gave lawyers until Feb. 27 to report who wants to return for court proceedings.

A federal judge on Thursday ordered the U.S. government to facilitate the return of some Venezuelan migrants who were deported to a Salvadoran prison under the Alien Enemies Act and later released to other countries. The decision follows a December ruling that found the government denied due process to a class of 137 Venezuelans removed last March. Judge James Boasberg said a small number of the deportees may wish to return to pursue legal challenges and acknowledged they would enter immigration custody on arrival. He gave lawyers until Feb. 27 to report how many plaintiffs want to travel to a U.S. port of entry or be flown from third countries for court proceedings. Key points: - A federal judge ordered the government to facilitate the return of some Venezuelan migrants deported under the Alien Enemies Act. - The order stems from a December finding that due process was denied to about 137 Venezuelans removed to El Salvador last March. - Lawyers for the migrants must inform the court by Feb. 27 which plaintiffs want to return or be flown from third countries; returning migrants would enter immigration custody. - The order does not apply to people who currently remain in Venezuela. Summary: Judge Boasberg's order directs the government to begin remedial steps so some deported Venezuelans can contest their removals in U.S. courts. Lawyers must report the number seeking return by Feb. 27, and individuals in Venezuela are not covered by this order.