The Trump administration stated on Monday its intentions to extradite several Venezuelan men to Chile, invoking the Alien Enemies Act—a wartime statute that is sparking a legal showdown. Justice Department officials indicated that three individuals have been labeled as “alien enemies” and will face criminal charges in Chile.
This decision sets them apart from the recent expedited deportations of over 100 Venezuelans and raises questions about legal protections. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche criticized the judge’s restraining order, asserting that the extradition would proceed if it weren’t for “a single judge.”
The administration’s actions have reignited debates about the application of this 1798 law, which they claim allows swift deportation of associates of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua—an assertion contested by civil rights advocates. The Justice Department confirmed that one extradited individual is facing severe criminal accusations in Chile, including extortion and homicide. Legal challenges continue to unfold as the situation evolves.
