The Trump administration can't use a centuries-old wartime law to quickly deport Venezuelans it alleges are suspected gang members, a federal appeals court ruled in a 2-1 decision on Tuesday night.

The big picture: The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said in its ruling it would grant a preliminary injunction "to prevent removal because we find no invasion or predatory incursion" had occurred.

Context: President Trump issued a proclamation in March to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 that allows for the removal of foreign nationals if "any invasion or predatory incursion is perpetrated" to fast-track the deportations process.

Why it matters: The New Orleans-based appellate court is the first federal appeals court to directly rule on the proclamation in a case that's likely to end u

See Full Page