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Fifth Circuit Dismisses W.M.M. v. Trump as Moot

8/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Fifth Circuit dismissed W.M.M. v. Trump as moot on Aug. 13, 2026.
President Donald Trump issued Proclamation No. 10903 on Mar. 15, 2025 invoking the Alien Enemies Act.
The proclamation targeted Venezuelan nationals alleged to belong to the Tren de Aragua gang.
Brennan Center reported 100 deportees to El Salvador, 75% of whom had no criminal record.

History

Historical Context

President Woodrow Wilson invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act in 1918 to deport about 2,000 German nationals, 1,850 without charges. The act, retained after Jefferson repealed the other 1798 statutes, later authorized WWII internments of German, Italian and Japanese residents. In March 2025, Donald Trump used the same law to target Venezuelan gang members, sparking Supreme Court battles.

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Story summary

The Fifth Circuit dismissed W.M.M. v. Trump as moot on Aug. 13, 2026.
President Donald Trump issued Proclamation No. 10903 on Mar. 15, 2025 invoking the Alien Enemies Act.
The proclamation targeted Venezuelan nationals alleged to belong to the Tren de Aragua gang.
Brennan Center reported 100 deportees to El Salvador, 75% of whom had no criminal record.

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