Supreme Court blocks Trump from deporting Venezuelan gang members under Alien Enemies Act

Published: Friday, May 16, 2025 at 9:11 pm

Supreme Court Halts Trump-Era Deportations of Venezuelans, Citing Due Process Concerns

The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the deportation of Venezuelan nationals under the Alien Enemies Act, a move stemming from concerns about due process rights. In an unsigned order issued Friday, the court ruled that the Trump administration failed to provide sufficient notice and resources to the detainees, hindering their ability to challenge their removal from the United States.

The central issue revolves around the adequacy of the notice given to the Venezuelans before their deportation. The court found that providing detainees with approximately 24 hours' notice, without information on how to contest their removal, was insufficient. This decision effectively halts the deportations until the legal process is properly followed.

Justices Alito and Thomas dissented from the ruling. Justice Alito argued that the court lacked jurisdiction and that the applicants had not met the requirements for injunctive relief. Justice Kavanaugh, however, concurred with the court's decision, emphasizing the importance of allowing the judiciary to determine the legality of the deportations before they occur. He stated the injunction ensures the Judiciary can decide whether these Venezuelan detainees may be lawfully removed under the Alien Enemies Act before they are in fact removed.

The case will now return to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which will determine the appropriate amount of notice detainees must receive before removal. This decision highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding immigration policies and the importance of upholding due process rights, even in cases involving national security concerns.

BNN's Perspective: This ruling underscores the delicate balance between national security and individual rights. While the Alien Enemies Act provides a legal framework for deporting individuals deemed threats, the Supreme Court's decision rightly emphasizes the need for fair procedures. Ensuring detainees have adequate time and resources to challenge their removal is crucial for upholding the principles of justice and preventing potential abuses of power.

Keywords: Supreme Court, Venezuelan nationals, deportation, Alien Enemies Act, Trump administration, due process, notice, injunction, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Alito, Thomas, Kavanaugh, immigration, legal, removal, detainees.

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