A federal appellate court recently declined to pause lower court rulings blocking the Trump administration’s efforts to deport Venezuelan nationals under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. A three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court, in a 2-1 decision, sided with plaintiffs challenging the administration’s authority.

The judges agreed to fast-track the case and heard oral arguments, focusing on whether constitutional due process rights were violated by potentially rushing deportations without allowing detainees adequate time to seek legal protections.

Legal experts say the case is highly technical and centered on procedural disputes rather than the statute itself. The Justice Department’s refusal to cooperate led to this appeal. The Trump administration is expected to continue appealing, aiming for a Supreme Court decision.

Observers note that with a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, the administration believes it has a strong chance of success. Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized lower courts for interfering with immigration policy and pledged to take the case to the Supreme Court if necessary.

The case highlights tensions between judicial oversight and executive immigration authority during the Trump administration.