On December 21, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg mandated that the Trump administration submit a plan regarding the due process rights of 137 Venezuelan men deported to El Salvador and detained at the CECOT prison. The judge determined that these individuals had been denied their legal rights while held under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, asserting that they remained in U.S. legal custody during their detention abroad. Judge Boasberg's ruling allows for the possibility of either returning the men to the U.S. or providing them with a fair hearing to contest allegations of gang membership made by the administration.

This group is part of a larger cohort of over 200 Venezuelan deportees sent to CECOT in March, with many released this summer as part of a U.S.-brokered prisoner exchange. The Trump administration has argued that it no longer has jurisdiction over these individuals post-deportation, a claim contested by Judge Boasberg, who noted that the U.S. retained control over the detainees, as their imprisonment was conducted at the U.S.'s request and funded by U.S. resources.

The deportations followed President Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, labeling alleged members of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang as enemies of the state, which facilitated their detention with minimal due process. Investigations have revealed that many of the deportees did not have significant criminal records, contradicting the administration's portrayal of them as dangerous criminals.

In a related development, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, led by Archbishop Thomas Wenski, has appealed to President Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for a pause in immigration enforcement during the Christmas holidays. Wenski expressed concern that current enforcement strategies disproportionately affect non-criminal individuals seeking work and create a climate of fear for families. He emphasized the emotional toll of prolonged legal processes and highlighted the contributions of immigrants to the U.S. economy.

The White House did not directly address the bishops' request but reiterated its commitment to ongoing enforcement, citing Trump's electoral promise to deport criminal illegal aliens. Wenski has been an outspoken advocate for humane treatment of migrants, previously criticizing the administration's policies for their impact on family unity.

In a separate enforcement action, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted Operation Highway Sentinel, resulting in the arrest of over 100 illegal truck drivers in California. This operation was initiated following fatal accidents involving drivers who had obtained commercial driving licenses under California's policies. ICE officials have raised concerns about public safety, linking these incidents to the issuance of licenses to individuals without adequate qualifications.

The operation reflects broader enforcement trends that have raised questions about the balance between public safety and the treatment of undocumented individuals. As the U.S. grapples with complex immigration issues, the intersection of legal rights, humanitarian concerns, and enforcement practices remains a critical area of focus.