The United States Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting Venezuelan migrants under the centuries-old Alien Enemies Act. The pause comes after legal challenges claimed the law was being used to expel people without giving them a fair chance to defend themselves in court.
This emergency ruling is a response to the Trump administration’s recent decision to deport dozens of Venezuelans to CECOT — a notorious prison in El Salvador — without trials or legal hearings. The deportation plan drew sharp criticism, with the Alien Enemies Act deportations now facing increasing legal and public scrutiny.
The court stated clearly that “the government is directed not to remove any member of the putative class of detainees from the United States until further order,” protecting individuals who were set to be expelled under the act.
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Civil rights advocates welcomed the decision. Lee Gelernt, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), said the migrants were in danger of spending the rest of their lives in a foreign prison without ever seeing a courtroom. “This ruling likely saved lives,” Gelernt added, referring to the use of the Alien Enemies Act deportations.
The Alien Enemies Act, which dates back to 1798, was previously used in wartime scenarios — including during World War II to detain Japanese-American citizens. Its revival under Trump has sparked outrage, especially as it is being used to detain and deport individuals suspected of gang affiliation, often based on tattoos or vague accusations.
One such case is that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a legal resident of Maryland, who was deported under the act. His deportation was later ruled an “administrative error,” but even after the court ordered his return, Trump publicly labeled him a gang member and shared a controversial image online. The incident has become a flashpoint in the broader debate about Alien Enemies Act deportations and their legality.
Trump has defended his actions, claiming the deportations are necessary to protect the country from dangerous Venezuelan gangs, some of which have been officially classified as terrorist groups. His hardline stance on immigration was central to his 2024 re-election campaign, where he promised to crack down on what he described as an “invasion” of criminal migrants.
In addition to the legal battles, Trump and his allies have openly criticized the judiciary, calling some judges “activists” and suggesting their decisions should be ignored. Following the Supreme Court’s latest order, conservative commentator Jesse Kelly tweeted: “Ignore the Supreme Court.”
The administration has now filed a motion urging the court to lift the pause, arguing it must be allowed to continue using the Alien Enemies Act to deport suspected terrorists. It also requested that, even if blocked under this law, the court clarify that such deportations are still possible under other immigration statutes.
As legal fights continue, concerns are growing over whether the use of Alien Enemies Act deportations bypasses fundamental constitutional protections. Civil rights organizations and legal experts say this could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
For now, the Supreme Court’s decision has offered a temporary safeguard for those caught in the crosshairs of a controversial and unprecedented policy.
