The US Supreme Court has paused the deportation of Venezuelan detainees targeted under President Donald Trump’s use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, amid growing legal and political controversy.
The decision, issued early Saturday in a brief unsigned order, directs the government not to remove any member of the group until further notice.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the emergency request after reports that some men in North Texas were being transported for imminent deportation without due process.
Trump’s administration has invoked the centuries-old wartime law—historically used only during major conflicts- to justify the removal of individuals accused of gang affiliations, including with Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua.
Of the 261 Venezuelans deported since April 8, 137 were removed under this act.
The ACLU alleges detainees were not informed of their rights to contest deportation and received notices only in English, despite language barriers.
A lower court had already blocked some removals in March, citing due process concerns.
Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented from the Saturday ruling.
The decision raises tensions between the executive branch and judiciary, potentially setting the stage for a constitutional showdown.
The administration mistakenly deported El Salvadoran Kilmar Ábrego García, later admitting the error, though maintaining he is tied to MS-13.
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously to allow his return, though officials said he would not be permitted to live in the US again.
Trump has vowed to eradicate foreign criminal networks, using executive power to bypass traditional immigration procedures. Critics warn the moves test constitutional limits and erode judicial oversight.
The White House has not yet commented on the Court’s latest ruling.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ