The plaintiffs in this case are two Venezuelan nationals, representing themselves and a putative class of similarly situated detainees, who challenged the federal government’s use of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to detain and remove noncitizens allegedly affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang. The plaintiffs argued that their detention and potential removal violated due process because they were not given proper notice or an opportunity to pursue habeas relief in the districts where they were held. This case followed a Supreme Court ruling in a related class action, which clarified that AEA detainees must receive timely notice and the ability to file habeas petitions in the appropriate district rather than proceeding through a nationwide class action. The plaintiffs filed this action in Texas to seek injunctive and declaratory relief, with a third detainee subsequently joining the case.
