This ruling represents a significant victory for the Trump administration amidst ongoing legal challenges to its immigration policies, contrasting sharply with decisions from judges in other jurisdictions.

Lee Gelernt from the ACLU expressed concern over the ruling, emphasizing that the Alien Enemies Act has traditionally been applied during wartime and arguing that due process has not been adequately afforded.

Conflicting rulings from various federal courts have created a patchwork legal landscape, with some judges blocking Trump's use of the law while others have permitted it.

Discussions within the Trump administration suggest a potential move to suspend habeas corpus to expedite deportations, a proposal that many legal scholars believe would be unconstitutional.

The Justice Department has already begun deporting designated gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador, which has sparked multiple lawsuits challenging this action.

Solicitor General John Sauer claims that some of the 176 detained migrants are associated with Tren de Aragua, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, raising concerns about their continued detention.

However, several federal judges have previously blocked the use of the Alien Enemies Act for deportations, arguing that the presence of these gang members does not constitute an 'invasion' or 'predatory incursion' as defined by law.

Judge Haines' ruling does not clarify whether Trump can use other laws for deportations or if individuals removed under this act are entitled to habeas relief.

If upheld, this ruling could lead to a flood of legal challenges as migrants seek to contest their deportations, potentially overwhelming the court system.

Judge Hendrix previously stated that the petitioners were too distinct to form a coherent class but allowed detainees to seek higher-level consideration.

On May 13, 2025, U.S. Judge Stephanie Haines ruled that President Trump can invoke the 1798 Alien Enemies Act for the mass deportation of individuals linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

This ruling mandates that the administration provide at least 21 days' notice before deportation, a significant increase from the previous 12 hours given to some detainees.