92-Year-Old Clinton Judge Who Denied Trump’s Hush-Money Removal to Federal Court and Blocked Venezuelan Gang Deportations Now Assigned to Preside Over Maduro Case in New York

U. S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, appointed by Bill Clinton in the 1990s, has been assigned to oversee the prosecution of Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan dictator, in New York. Hellerstein's past rulings have often been perceived as aligning against former President Donald Trump and favoring progressive policies.

Background on Judge Hellerstein

• Hellerstein is 92 years old and took senior status in 2011 but continues to preside over significant cases.

• His judicial history includes several controversial rulings affecting Trump and his administration, showcasing a trend of rulings that some describe as judicial activism against conservative interests.

Notable Rulings During Trump’s First Administration (2017-2021)

1. Asylum Seeker Detention Policy (December 2018): Hellerstein criticized the Trump administration for holding asylum seekers indefinitely without hearings, calling it unconstitutional and inhumane.

2. Michael Cohen’s Release (July 2020): He ordered Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, released from prison, asserting that his re-incarceration was a retaliatory action violating First Amendment rights.

3. Subpoenas Against Trump (July 2020): Hellerstein allowed congressional subpoenas for Trump’s financial records from Deutsche Bank and Capital One, rejecting Trump's claims that they were overly broad.

Rulings Related to Trump’s Legal Battles (2023-2024)

1. Hush-Money Case Venue Transfer Denial (July 2023): Hellerstein denied Trump’s attempt to move his hush-money case from state to federal court, emphasizing that it was a personal matter and not tied to his official duties.

2. Post-Conviction Hush-Money Transfer Denial (September 2024): After Trump's conviction, Hellerstein rejected another transfer request, noting Trump did not establish good cause for the motion.

Rulings During Trump’s Second Administration (2025)

1. Alien Enemies Act Due Process Requirement (April 2025): Hellerstein issued a temporary restraining order against deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, citing due process violations.

2. Extension and Rebuke of the Alien Enemies Act (April 2025): He continued to block deportations, criticizing the treatment of migrants and calling for bilingual notifications and hearings.

3. Preliminary Injunction on the Alien Enemies Act (May 2025): He ruled that the Act was not validly invoked, emphasizing due process rights for all individuals.

4. Block on Gaza-Related Deportations (September 2025): Hellerstein halted deportations of Palestinian activists protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza, ruling against the administration's emergency powers.

Judge Hellerstein's assignment to the Maduro case, combined with his history of rulings against Trump, raises questions about the fairness and motivations behind judicial decisions in politically charged cases. Critics are concerned that New York is not an impartial venue for such high-profile cases, particularly given its political landscape and Hellerstein's track record. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/01/you-cant-make-this-up-92-year-old/