Thank the Court for Blocking Unlawful Deportations

We applaud the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals for upholding the rule of law and preserving constitutional rights by maintaining a temporary block on President Donald Trump’s dangerous and unprecedented use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged members of a Venezuelan gang without due process.

This law, rooted in 18th-century wartime powers, was never meant to be used as a modern immigration enforcement tool — especially not against people who have not been convicted of crimes and who may face torture or death upon deportation. The court rightly recognized the severe risks involved in deporting individuals to countries where they could suffer grave harm, and acknowledged the importance of safeguarding their access to legal counsel and fair hearings.

Judges Patricia Millett and Karen Henderson made it clear: executive overreach cannot be allowed to steamroll basic human rights. We are especially grateful for their strong language pushing back against attempts by the administration to flout a district court order, and their defense of the integrity of our judicial system.

This case is far from over, but the court’s decision to freeze these deportations while legal challenges proceed shows a commitment to justice, due process, and human dignity.

Add your name to thank the federal appeals court for standing up for the Constitution, defending due process, and preventing unlawful deportations.