Versions :<1234567Live
Snapshot 7:Fri, Feb 13, 2026 4:32:31 PM GMT last edited by KateHennig

Judge Orders Return of 137 Deported Venezuelans to U.S.

Judge Orders Return of 137 Deported Venezuelans to U.S.

Were these Venezuelan deportees denied due process or were they lawfully removed as dangerous gang threats?
Judge Orders Return of 137 Deported Venezuelans to U.S.
Above: James Boasberg, chief judge of the U.S. District Court in Washington, on March 13, 2023. Image credit: Valerie Plesch/Contributor/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Deporting 137 Venezuelans to a brutal torture prison without any hearings or chance to defend themselves represents a flagrant violation of constitutional due process rights. The administration defied court orders, sent people to CECOT based on flimsy gang accusations despite most having no criminal records, and now refuses to remedy this egregious wrong by telling the court to pound sand.

These Venezuelan deportees were properly removed under lawful authority as suspected members of the dangerous Tren de Aragua gang that threatens American citizens. An activist Obama-appointed judge is now forcing their return despite the administration's legitimate national security concerns, overstepping judicial bounds to obstruct the president from executing the will of the American people on immigration enforcement.

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 41% chance that the U.S. will establish a government program rewarding information leading to deportations before Jan. 3, 2027, according to the Metaculus prediction community.



The Controversies



Articles on this story



© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0