The plaintiffs, two Venezuelan nationals married to each other, filed this habeas corpus action against the U.S. government challenging their detention and proposed deportation under the Alien Enemies Act. The petitioners had entered the United States in 2022, were initially paroled, and later granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The government subsequently withdrew their TPS, citing alleged ties to the gang Tren de Aragua (“TdA”), which had been designated a foreign terrorist organization. The petitioners argue that their detention was unlawful because their TPS remained in effect during the pendency of their appeals, and that the government lacks sufficient evidence to designate them as “alien enemies.” They seek release from custody and an injunction preventing removal from the district or the United States.
The court granted a temporary restraining order and, following briefing and a hearing, issued a habeas order directing the petitioners’ release. The court concluded that the government had failed to provide credible evidence linking the petitioners to TdA, and that their confinement violated the Immigration and Nationality Act and due process. The order also included broader district-wide provisions prohibiting removal of other individuals in the Western District of Texas affected by the March 2025 TdA proclamation without notice and the opportunity to seek judicial review. The petitioners’ motion to enforce the judgment was denied, and the government’s subsequent request to stay the district-wide portion of the order pending appeal was granted. The court formally entered final judgment on the individual habeas claims while leaving the broader injunctive relief stayed.
