General Discussion

After extensive analysis of historical records, Judge Rodriguez concluded in his ruling that the ordinary meaning of "invasion" or "predatory inclusion" when the Alien Enemies Act was enacted required a military incursion. He found that the criminal activities of Tren de Aragua members described in the Proclamation, while harmful, did not constitute an "invasion" or "predatory incursion" as understood under the Act.

"The Proclamation makes no reference to and in no manner suggests that a threat exists of an organized, armed group of individuals entering the United States at the direction of Venezuela to conquer the country or assume control over a portion of the nation," Judge Rodriguez wrote.