In a groundbreaking legal decision, a federal judge in Pennsylvania has ruled that the U.S. government can use a rarely applied wartime law to deport certain Venezuelan nationals accused of gang involvement.

The case centers on a presidential order issued in March, which identified Tren de Aragua — a violent criminal organization from Venezuela — as part of an organized threat entering the U.S. Judge Stephanie Haines upheld the order, marking the first time a federal court has endorsed using the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) in such a case.

Under the ruling, federal authorities can move forward with deporting Venezuelan citizens who meet specific criteria: they must be at least 14 years old, lack legal immigration status, and be identified as members of Tren de Aragua.

Judge Haines made it clear that her ruling applies only to this specific case and does not give blanket approval for the law to be used in other immigration situations or against individuals without confirmed gang ties. However, she did require the government to improve how it notifies people subject to deportation: they must now be given at least 21 days’ notice — in both English and Spanish — and a chance to respond to the allegations.

“This case presents complex legal questions closely tied to the structure of American government,” Judge Haines wrote. “The Court limits its decision strictly to the facts and laws directly at issue here.”

The decision comes at a time of heightened scrutiny around immigration enforcement and national security. Reports have emerged of mass deportations of suspected gang members to detention centers in El Salvador, raising concerns among human rights advocates.

One case involved a Venezuelan man who arrived in the U.S. in 2023 seeking safety for his family, claiming he was being extorted in his home country. He was later arrested after a neighbor accused him of being affiliated with the gang — a claim he denies.

Initially, Judge Haines paused deportations in her district by granting class-action status. But she has since lifted that pause, allowing removals to continue — as long as the new notification rules are followed.

A similar case is unfolding in Texas, where a woman who fled Venezuela last year due to political persecution is now facing deportation over gang-related accusations. Although she was granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), she was later arrested. Her legal team argues the charges are false and is asking the court to block her removal until her asylum request is reviewed.

The use of the Alien Enemies Act, a law dating back to the 18th century, has sparked debate among legal experts and civil rights advocates. Critics warn it could erode due process and lead to unfair targeting of immigrants based on unverified allegations.

While Judge Haines’ ruling doesn’t set a nationwide precedent, it could influence how similar cases are handled in courts across the country.