A U.S. federal judge has ordered the release of a Venezuelan couple accused of having ties to the Tren de Aragua gang. The judge ruled that the government failed to provide sufficient evidence for their detention. The case highlights the Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdown and raises concerns over due process in deportation and detention cases.
Judge Orders Release of Venezuelan Couple Accused of Gang Ties
A federal judge in Virginia has ruled that there was no legal basis for detaining a Venezuelan couple accused of links to the Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang. The couple, Luddis Sanchez Garcia and Julio Sanchez Puentes, walked free after U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema found the evidence against them to be insufficient.
Trump Administration’s Immigration Crackdown and Allegations
The couple was detained as part of President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on Venezuelan migrants suspected of gang affiliation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials claimed Sanchez Garcia was a senior member of a TDA faction, while Sanchez Puentes was “associated” with the gang due to living with her. However, the court found no substantial evidence supporting these allegations.
Legal and Immigration Status of the Couple
Both individuals hold Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows them to live and work legally in the U.S. The Biden administration had extended TPS for Venezuelans through 2026, but Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently announced an early termination of the program, effective April 7, 2025. Anticipating deportation, the couple applied for asylum.
Arrest and Detention Controversy
The couple was initially arrested in March over misdemeanor illegal entry charges from 2022. Despite their legal status and clean work history, prosecutors sought their detention. A magistrate judge denied the request, citing the couple’s cooperation with immigration authorities. However, they were re-arrested by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents while driving with their children.
Judge Brinkema’s Ruling and Criticism of ICE
During the hearing, Judge Brinkema criticized the government’s case, stating that the prosecution lacked substantial evidence. She ruled that ICE had no legal grounds to detain the couple and ordered their immediate release.
Future Implications for Immigration Policy
This case highlights growing concerns over the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies and raises questions about due process in cases involving alleged gang affiliations. Legal experts suggest that more Venezuelan migrants with TPS could face similar legal battles in the coming months.
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