By Robert Moore, El Paso Matters An El Paso federal judge expressed skepticism of the Trump administration’s attempt to use an 18th century law to quickly deport those it claims are Venezuelan gang members, the latest in a line of judicial criticisms of the plan. Michael Velchick, a lawyer in the Justice Department’s civil division, argued that the Alien Enemies Act – which allows for expanded removal power for the government in times of war with or invasion by a foreign nation – could be interpreted to include members of the Tren de Aragua gang from Venezuela. 

After listening to Velchick’s arguments, U.S. District Judge David Briones said: “Another way to interpret an act is to read it for what it says.”  Briones conducted a hearing at the El Paso federal courthouse Thursday afternoon o

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