US Supreme Court Blocks Trump Bid To Resume Venezuelan Deportations
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 16, 2025 at 10:06 pm
Supreme Court Blocks Trump's Venezuelan Deportation Bid, Citing Due Process Concerns
The US Supreme Court has dealt a blow to President Donald Trump's efforts to swiftly deport alleged Venezuelan gang members, blocking his administration's use of a rarely-invoked wartime law. In a 7-2 decision, the court ruled that the detainees were not given sufficient time to legally challenge their removal.
Trump had sought to utilize the 1798 Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to deport alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang, a move that sparked controversy and legal challenges. The AEA, last used during World War II to detain Japanese-Americans, allows for the deportation of "alien enemies" during times of war or national threat. Trump argued the gang posed a threat to the US, invoking the AEA to deport a group of alleged members to El Salvador without due process.
The court's decision, delivered in an unsigned order, specifically addressed the lack of adequate notice provided to the detainees. The justices noted that detainees were given as little as 24 hours' notice before deportation, lacking crucial information about how to contest their removal. The court emphasized that it was not ruling on the legality of Trump's use of the AEA itself, but rather on the insufficient due process afforded to the detainees. The justices ordered a lower court to "expeditiously" examine the underlying question of the AEA's legality.
The court also highlighted a concerning error: a Salvadoran man was mistakenly deported along with the alleged gang members, and the Trump administration admitted it was unable to facilitate his return. This incident further underscored the potential for injustice in the expedited deportation process. Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented from the majority opinion.
Trump reacted angrily to the court's decision, posting on Truth Social that the court was preventing the removal of criminals from the country. This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding immigration, national security, and the balance between swift action and due process rights.
BNN's Perspective: This ruling underscores the importance of upholding due process, even when dealing with complex issues like immigration and national security. While the government has a legitimate interest in protecting its borders, it must do so within the bounds of the Constitution. The court's decision, while potentially frustrating for those prioritizing swift action, serves as a crucial reminder of the fundamental rights that protect all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
Keywords: US Supreme Court, Donald Trump, Venezuelan deportations, Tren de Aragua, Alien Enemies Act, AEA, due process, immigration, deportation, legal challenge, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, national security, undocumented migrants, wartime law, El Salvador, Truth Social, court ruling, detainee rights, immigration law.