In a significant legal development, a United States judge has mandated that American authorities must facilitate the return of over a hundred Venezuelan nationals who were deported earlier this year. The ruling underscores a critical failure to provide due process before their removal.
Judge's Ruling on Deportation Without Due Process
US District Judge James Boasberg delivered the verdict, stating that approximately 137 Venezuelan men deserve to return to the United States. Their purpose would be to legally challenge the circumstances of their deportation. The individuals in question were sent back to Venezuela in March under the authority of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.
Judge Boasberg found that these men were designated for removal without being afforded proper legal procedures. The core issue highlighted in the ruling is the absence of a fair opportunity for them to contest their deportation in court before it was executed. This bypassing of due process forms the foundation of the judge's decision.
The Harsh Reality of CECOT Prison
Upon their forced return to Venezuela, the deported men were sent to the notorious CECOT prison. This facility is widely recognized by human rights organizations for its harsh conditions. The judge's ruling implicitly acknowledges the severe consequences these individuals faced after being removed from the US without a proper legal hearing.
Implications and Next Steps
This ruling places a direct obligation on the US government to arrange and fund the return of these individuals so they can pursue their legal claims. It sets a notable precedent regarding the application of the centuries-old Alien Enemies Act, emphasizing that its use must still comply with fundamental principles of justice.
The case, reported by Bloomberg and dated 23 December 2025, spotlights the ongoing tensions in US immigration policy and the critical importance of procedural safeguards. The final outcome will depend on further court proceedings once the affected individuals are brought back to US soil.
