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En Banc Fifth Circuit Dismisses Alien Enemies Act Case as Moot
United States🏛️ PoliticsLean Conservative12 days ago

En Banc Fifth Circuit Dismisses Alien Enemies Act Case as Moot

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit dismissed the case 'W.M.M. v. Trump' as moot, ruling that the legal challenge to President Donald Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to deport Venezuelans accused of being part of a drug trafficking organization is no longer active. The case centered on whether the AEA, which permits detention and deportation during wartime or in cases of invasion or predatory incursion, could be applied to non-military activities like illegal immigration and drug smuggling. The court determined that the named plaintiffs had already been deported under separate statutory provisions, making the case procedurally moot. While the dismissal does not resolve the core legal question regarding the AEA’s interpretation, it effectively ends the judicial review of Trump’s executive actions under the statute. The author of the article, which argues that 'invasion' in the AEA must be understood as a military attack rather than non-violent activities, highlights the potential constitutional risks of expanding the AEA’s scope.

Immigrant seeks to pay $368,000 in fines, but a broken payment system prevents him from doing so. Daniel, an immigrant who entered the United States on a legal tourist visa around two decades ago, faced a denial of his asylum application. After marrying a U.S. citizen and having two children who are also citizens, Daniel attempted to secure legal status through his marriage. However, he was issued a deportation order, complicating his case further. Recently, Daniel received a letter stating he owes approximately $368,000 in fines, according to his attorney. This amount stems from an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump, which updated the daily fine from $500 to $998 for immigrants who willfully fail or refuse to leave after receiving a removal order. The Trump administration began imposing these fines last year, with some individuals facing penalties as high as $1.8 million. By July, over 100,000 immigrants had received notices, accumulating more than $84 million in fines. According to the government, these fines can be forgiven if immigrants leave the country. Daniel, however, is eager to pay as much as possible, fearing the potential consequences of not addressing the notice he received. Yet, he faces a major obstacle: the government has not provided the necessary information to facilitate payment. The letters sent to immigrants regarding the fines are typically brief. They mention the date of the removal order and indicate that the individual willfully failed or refused to depart, making them subject to a civil monetary penalty. These letters do not clarify how the fines were calculated, whether interest applies, or when the fines might cease. Recipients are given only 15 business days to contest the fines, yet many received the notices after this deadline had passed. Melanie Zamenhof, a senior attorney at the New York Legal Response Team at Neighbors Link, noted that none of her clients have successfully paid the fines imposed by the administration. She described the situation as confusing, emphasizing the need for clear explanations and detailed breakdowns of the charges. This year, the helpline at Neighbors Link received calls from about a dozen immigrants who had received similar notices, all asking for guidance on how to make their payments. In a separate development, an Obama-appointed judge deferred to a Supreme Court ruling, clearing the way for the Trump administration to end temporary legal protections for thousands of Somali nationals living in the United States. Boston U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs had previously issued a stay preventing the termination of Somalia’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS). However, following the Supreme Court’s June ruling in Mullin v. Doe, which limited the ability of federal judges to challenge certain executive branch policies, Burroughs lifted the stay. This decision allows the Trump administration to proceed with ending TPS for Somalia, potentially leading to the deportation of thousands of affected migrants who lack another lawful basis to remain in the U.S. The TPS program, established by Congress in 1990, offers protection to individuals from countries experiencing armed conflict or natural disasters, allowing them to work in the U.S. In January, the administration announced plans to terminate Somalia’s TPS designation, citing improvements in the country’s conditions. A federal lawsuit was filed by four Somali nationals and two advocacy groups challenging this decision, but Judge Burroughs ultimately cited the Supreme Court’s ruling and lifted the stay despite acknowledging the potential harm to the plaintiffs. Meanwhile, Liberia has agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the U.S. over the next year. The agreement represents one of the largest arrangements of its kind under the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy. Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai, along with other West African leaders, met with President Trump last year. Under the arrangement, the first group of 20 deportees is expected to arrive shortly. The Liberian government emphasized that the deportees will be treated as guests and can choose to leave whenever they wish, applying for asylum in Liberia. The country will receive support from the U.S. to manage the program and enhance its migration system. The administration has reached several agreements with African countries to accept third-country deportees, including some with legal protections that prevent their return due to risks of torture or persecution. It remains unclear whether any of the individuals being sent to Liberia fall into this category. The administration has defended these third-country deals as lawful, asserting their compliance with existing regulations.

Go to the primary sources (16)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

10 reports

The Washington Times logoThe Washington TimesParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 9522 days ago
U.S. almost deports Afghan ally because of wrong calendar

An Afghan man who worked as a bodyguard for senior officials in the U.S.-backed government faced deportation due to a misunderstanding involving different calendar systems. Salaruddin Eqbal fled to the U.S. after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan under the Biden administration and sought asylum, claiming he would face persecution upon return. His claims were initially dismissed by an immigration judge, who doubted his account of serving against the Taliban in the 1970s, citing historical inconsistencies. However, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the confusion stemmed from a misinterpretation of dates between the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and the Gregorian calendar. The court clarified that Eqbal's references to 1372 (Islamic) corresponded to 1993 (Gregorian), aligning with the timeline of the Taliban's rise. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) praised the decision as a rare instance of justice within the immigration system, noting that Eqbal has been in detention for two years while awaiting resolution.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual recounting of a legal error related to calendar interpretation affecting an individual's immigration status. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the procedural mistake rather than抨

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the incident involving Salaruddin Eqbal and the calendar misunderstanding. It provides specific details such as the court involved, the role of the translator, and the dates in both Hijri and Gregorian calendars. However, it does not provide full context about the broa

Why objectivity (95): The article maintains a neutral tone throughout, presenting facts without apparent bias. It avoids emotional language and presents the events objectively, focusing on the legal proceedings and the resolution of the calendar discrepancy.

NBC News logoNBC NewsIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 9019 days ago
Appeals court dodges major ruling on Trump’s contentious use of obscure deportation law

A U.S. appeals court avoided making a major ruling on President Donald Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members. The court dismissed the case after the Trump administration had already deported the three plaintiffs using alternative legal methods. This action leaves the central legal question regarding the use of the Alien Enemies Act unresolved. Last year, the Supreme Court halted the immediate removal of these individuals without allowing them to contest the decision. Although a three-judge panel previously ruled against the administration, the full 17-member appeals court agreed to reconsider the case at the administration's request. However, the recent ruling suggests that the administration's attempt to use the Alien Enemies Act has largely failed, potentially delaying a definitive Supreme Court decision on the matter.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation neutrally, focusing on the legal proceedings and outcomes without showing clear favoritism toward either side. It reports on the court's decision and the implications without using biased language or emphasizing one perspective over another.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes the court's dismissal of the case due to the removal of plaintiffs via alternative legal means. It provides context about previous rulings, including the Supreme Court's involvement and the court's refusal to substitute new plaintiffs. The information aligns with cro

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the facts in a neutral tone, avoiding emotionally charged language. It reports the court's decision and its implications without taking sides or expressing personal opinions.

Reason logoReasonParty-alignedConservativeFactual 85Objective 8018 days ago
En Banc Fifth Circuit Dismisses Alien Enemies Act Case as Moot

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit dismissed the case 'W.M.M. v. Trump' as moot, ruling that the legal challenge to President Donald Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to deport Venezuelans accused of being part of a drug trafficking organization is no longer active. The case centered on whether the AEA, which permits detention and deportation during wartime or in cases of invasion or predatory incursion, could be applied to non-military activities like illegal immigration and drug smuggling. The court determined that the named plaintiffs had already been deported under separate statutory provisions, making the case procedurally moot. While the dismissal does not resolve the core legal question regarding the AEA’s interpretation, it effectively ends the judicial review of Trump’s executive actions under the statute. The author of the article, which argues that 'invasion' in the AEA must be understood as a military attack rather than non-violent activities, highlights the potential constitutional risks of expanding the AEA’s scope.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the dispute around the interpretation of the Alien Enemies Act, emphasizing the need to restrict its application to traditional military threats. This aligns with a conservative perspective that supports strong executive authority and limited expansion of federal powers. The focus

Why factuality (85): The article provides a detailed summary of the legal proceedings involving the Fifth Circuit's decision to dismiss the case as moot. It accurately describes the legal arguments around the Alien Enemies Act and the specific claim regarding Venezuelan nationals linked to the Tren de Aragua drug gang.

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains professional and focused on the legal process, though the author expresses personal interest in the broader implications of the case through mention of their upcoming article. This slight personal engagement reduces objectivity but does not significantly bias the reporting.

The Daily Wire logoThe Daily WireIndependentConservativeFactual 85Objective 6522 days ago
ICE Puts Ankle Monitors On Haitian Migrants After TPS Expiration

Federal authorities have started requiring Haitian immigrants who lost their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections to wear ankle monitors, tracking their movements. This follows the Supreme Court allowing the Trump administration to end TPS for Haitians, affecting around 350,000 individuals. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun contacting these migrants for check-ins with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), some of whom are placed under ankle monitoring as part of the Alternatives to Detention program. As of July 11, nearly 54,000 migrants were using ankle monitors, up from 30,000 in September 2025. Activists report that approximately 50 to 60 Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, have received check-in orders. DHS criticized TPS as a 'de facto amnesty program' and encouraged voluntary departure through a self-deportation program offering financial incentives.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the termination of TPS as a necessary action by the Trump administration, emphasizing the 'temporary' nature of TPS and criticizing it as a 'de facto amnesty program.' It highlights the administration's efforts to enforce immigration laws and prioritize deportations, aligning with

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the DHS notice about the gloves, mentioning the $20 million budget and the device's classification as a 'de-escalation device.' It aligns with the primary source document and includes information about the device's intended use by ICE officers. However, it also include

Why objectivity (65): The tone is somewhat critical, suggesting that the device could lead to increased force usage. While it reports facts accurately, it introduces a perspective that questions the wisdom of equipping officers with such tools, which slightly skews the objectivity.

The Intercept logoThe InterceptIndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 6012 days ago
Immigrant Wants to Pay $368,000 in Fines, but Broken Payment System Won’t Let Him

An immigrant named Daniel, who entered the U.S. legally on a tourist visa and later sought asylum, now faces a $368,000 fine under a Trump-era policy that imposes daily penalties for failing to leave after a deportation order. The policy, enacted via an executive order in 2025, raises daily fines to $998 and allows for up to $1.8 million in penalties over five years. Despite being eager to pay, Daniel cannot access the payment system due to missing information, specifically, an identification number required for online payments. His attempts to contact the Department of Homeland Security were unsuccessful, with calls disconnecting after lengthy holds. Legal advocates note this is not an isolated case, as no clients have successfully paid these fines, highlighting systemic issues with transparency and accessibility in the immigration enforcement system.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a systemic failure of the Trump administration's immigration policies, emphasizing the harshness and opacity of the fine system. It highlights the human cost and bureaucratic dysfunction, aligning with progressive critiques of right-wing immigration enforcement. While

Why factuality (75): The article accurately describes the Trump-era executive order that introduced daily fines for immigrants with removal orders, citing the increase from $500 to $998 per day. It references the $368,000 fine mentioned by the individual's attorney and the $84 million total in fines issued. However, it

Why objectivity (60): The article uses emotionally charged language like 'mystifying hurdle' and quotes the attorney's criticism of the payment system as 'Hurry and pay, oh, by the way, we're not going to give you any appropriate information.' This suggests a biased tone toward the government's approach. While it present

Breitbart News logoBreitbart NewsIndependentConservativeFactual 70Objective 5016 days ago
Obama-Appointed Judge Defers to Supreme Court Ruling, Gives Trump a Somali Deportation Win

An Obama-appointed federal judge in Boston has lifted a previous stay on the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, allowing the Trump administration to proceed with ending the program. The decision follows a Supreme Court ruling in June that limited lower courts' ability to challenge certain executive actions, including the termination of TPS designations. Judge Allison Burroughs stated she was bound by the Supreme Court's ruling in 'Mullin v. Doe,' which restricts judicial review of administrative decisions like ending TPS. The move could lead to deportations for thousands of Somali nationals lacking other legal residency pathways. Plaintiffs had argued the decision was motivated by racial bias against non-white immigrants, citing past comments by President Trump about Somalis. However, the judge concluded that the plaintiffs' claims of irreparable harm were not sufficient to maintain the stay.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the decision as a major victory for President Trump, emphasizing his administration's success in ending TPS protections and highlighting potential deportations. It references Trump's past rhetoric about Somalis, implying a racially motivated agenda, but does not provide balanced,详

Why factuality (70): The article accurately reports the Supreme Court ruling in Mullin v. Doe that limited judicial review of TPS termination decisions, enabling the Trump administration to proceed with ending Somalia’s TPS. It correctly cites Judge Burroughs’ deferral to the Supreme Court and the administration’s plan

Why objectivity (50): The article exhibits a strong pro-Trump bias, referring to the administration as scoring a 'big victory' and suggesting that Somali immigrants are taking advantage of U.S. citizens. It includes a video clip titled 'Karoline Leavitt Says Somali Immigrants Are Taking Advantage of U.S. Citizens,' which

The New York Times (World) logoThe New York Times (World)Independent🔒ConservativeFactual 65Objective 6020 days ago
He Was Deported to Eswatini in Southern Africa. He May Never Go Free.

The article discusses the increasing practice by the Trump administration of deporting immigrants to countries where they have no connections, resulting in some individuals being imprisoned without options for release. It highlights concerns about the lack of due process and the potential for indefinite detention.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the issue through the lens of executive action under the Trump administration, implying a controversial policy shift. The focus on 'no way out' and 'imprisoned' suggests a critical stance toward the administration's immigration policies, which aligns with a right-leaning narrative

Why factuality (65): The article briefly mentions the planned purchase of electric shock gloves but does not connect it to the primary source document. It focuses more on the incident with the ICE agent and the citizen, which is unrelated to the procurement details.

Why objectivity (60): The tone is critical of ICE, describing the agent as a threat and the citizen as a victim. It presents the incident in a way that emphasizes the confrontation, possibly influencing reader sentiment.

Fox News (World) logoFox News (World)IndependentConservativeFactual 65Objective 5513 days ago
Liberia agrees to accept 1,200 third-country deportees from US within a year

Liberia has agreed to accept up to 1,200 deportees from the U.S. over the next year under a new agreement. The deportees, including individuals from Africa, North America, South America, and the Caribbean, will be treated as 'guests' and allowed to leave at any time or apply for asylum. The agreement comes amid broader U.S. immigration enforcement efforts, particularly targeting Haitian migrants as Temporary Protected Status expires. Liberia emphasized its humanitarian approach and historical ties to the U.S., noting its tradition of accepting refugees. The first group of 20 deportees is expected to arrive soon, with the U.S. providing support to manage the program.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the U.S.-Liberia deportation agreement within the context of Trump-era immigration policies and emphasizes the role of former Trump allies like President Joseph Boakai. It highlights the U.S. government's enforcement actions and portrays Liberia's acceptance as a positive step inU

Why factuality (65): The article mentions Liberia accepting 1,200 third-country deportees, aligning with the broader enforcement strategy outlined in the primary document. However, it lacks specific details about the legal basis for these deportations or how they relate to the executive order revoking earlier policies.

Why objectivity (55): The article presents the situation with a clear pro-enforcement bias, referring to the Trump administration's 'immigration enforcement crackdown' and describing the deportees as being accepted 'as guests.' This framing implies approval of the policy rather than presenting multiple perspectives. The

NBC News logoNBC NewsIndependentCenterFactual 30Objective 3019 days ago
Haitians in Ohio who lost protected status get ankle monitors instead of ICE detention

Haitians in Ohio who have lost their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are increasingly receiving ankle monitors rather than being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to immigration attorneys. ICE requires these individuals to attend in-person check-ins, where they are fitted with ankle monitors to track their movements until an immigration judge determines if they have a valid reason to remain in the U.S., such as an asylum claim. This approach is reportedly due to limited detention capacity for the over 300,000 Haitians affected by the recent Supreme Court ruling ending TPS protections. While some individuals have been briefly arrested, they are not held in long-term detention and are restricted to a 75-mile radius from their homes. The policy shift comes under current Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, whose actions have drawn criticism from former Trump administration figures like Stephen Miller, who favor detention over alternatives.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the situation involving Haitians losing TPS and the resulting measures taken by ICE. It includes perspectives from immigration attorneys, mentions the involvement of the Supreme Court and the Trump administration, and notes differing opinions within the DHS

Why factuality (30): This article focuses on Haitians receiving ankle monitors instead of ICE detention, making no mention of Dr. Kibret's arrest. It contains no relevant factual information about the event described in the primary document.

Why objectivity (30): The article maintains a neutral tone in reporting on policy changes related to ICE enforcement but fails to address the specific incident covered in the primary document.

The Hill logoThe HillIndependentConservativeFactual 20Objective 3018 days ago
Judge lifts order on Somalia TPS, clearing way for deportations

A federal judge in Massachusetts has removed a temporary stay on a case involving Somali nationals holding Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing the Trump administration to proceed with deportations. The decision was made by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, who had previously imposed the stay following the Supreme Court's ruling in a related case. This development marks a significant step toward the potential deportation of individuals granted TPS based in Somalia. The ruling paves the way for immigration authorities to resume enforcement actions against these individuals, which could impact their legal status and future in the United States.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the removal of the stay as a positive development for the Trump administration's immigration policies, implying support for stricter enforcement. It emphasizes the administrative action taken by the court, aligning with conservative viewpoints on immigration control. The focus onĠ

Why factuality (20): This article is also unrelated to the primary source document and discusses a different legal development regarding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and deportations. It contains no information about the Hilton protests, hotel resistance, or the events described in the primary source. Therefore, it

Why objectivity (30): Similar to the previous article, this piece is completely disconnected from the subject matter of the primary source and does not attempt to present any perspective on the events described. Its focus on a different issue makes it irrelevant to the evaluation of objectivity in relation to the main ev

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