Alien Enemies Act Flights Halted: Emergency Injunction Timeline and Key Court Orders
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
The legal response unfolded across federal dockets with relentless speed. The following table tracks the decisive actions, judicial decrees, and operational results recorded during this period.
| Date | Court & Action | Operational Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 11, 2026 | Federal District Court issues immediate emergency restraining order against Alien Enemies Act deportations. | Active removal flights directed to turn around mid-flight and return detainees to federal custody. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Federal bench expands injunction; orders return of Venezuelan nationals deported to El Salvador. | State Department and DHS required to coordinate repatriation flights back into the United States. |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Acting Attorney General asserts executive authority to target and investigate designated adversaries. | Intensifies legal battles regarding executive prerogative and statutory limits on presidential power. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Appellate review initiated as administration challenges constraints on enforcement discretion. | Temporary nationwide pause remains active pending full judicial review by federal circuit courts. |
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
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