The plaintiff in this case, A.S.R., a Venezuelan national, filed suit against President Trump and various federal officials challenging the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to detain and deport noncitizens without due process. A.S.R. brought the action as a class petition for writ of habeas corpus on behalf of himself and other Venezuelan nationals allegedly affiliated with the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang.
The suit followed the Supreme Court’s reversal of a temporary restraining order in a related case, J.G.G. v. Trump, which had initially blocked similar removals. A.S.R. challenged Proclamation No. 10903, which directed the detention and removal of Venezuelan nationals alleged to be members of TdA. At the time the petition was filed, A.S.R. was held in Pennsylvania, although the government transferred him to Texas later the same day. The court confirmed jurisdiction, finding that custody at the time of filing established standing. A.S.R. sought injunctive and declaratory relief to prevent removal and ensure due process under the AEA.
