U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has ruled to extend a restraining order against the 1798 Alien Enemies Act until mid-April.
The move from Judge Boasberg came Friday. The restraining order extension will now run through April 12.
The Trump administration enacted the wartime immigration law to deport Venezuelan nationals who are also alleged Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang members that are in the United States illegally.
Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order last week preventing President Trump from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan nationals. He said he needed more time to consider the merits of the case. Planes carrying Venezuelan nationals or other deportees were also ordered to return.
The Trump administration later filed an emergency request for the U.S. appeals court to intervene. They're seeking an administrative stay, which would allow the use of the act to deport Venezuelan nationals while the court looks over the policy.
Additional hearings are scheduled for April 8.