Supreme court pauses Trump-era deportations of Venezuelans
The US Supreme Court temporarily halted the deportation of Venezuelan citizens detained in northern Texas on Saturday. This action was due to be carried out under a seldom-used 18th-century wartime act.
In its order, the court instructed President Donald Trump's administration to suspend the deportation of individuals held at the detention centre in Anson until further notice or another court decision.
Alien Enemies Act in use. Court halts Trump's deportations
The decision was made urgently following an appeal hearing convened at the request of the ACLU, which protects civil rights. Its representatives warned that immigration authorities were preparing to expel Venezuelans under the 1798 act known as the Alien Enemies Act.
Two federal judges had previously refused to intervene in the matter, but the ACLU also appealed to the appellate court, whose decision is still awaited.
Trump deports without trial. Court temporarily blocks action
The Alien Enemies Act allows for the swift deportation of foreigners without the standard judicial procedures if they come from countries deemed hostile to the US. In the past, this act was used occasionally—such as during World War II against immigrants from Japan, Germany, and Italy.
The Trump administration invoked this legal measure with respect to individuals suspected of belonging to the Tren de Aragua gang, which Washington claims is linked to organised crime in Venezuela. The government argued that gang members pose a security threat, potentially engaging in assault, intrusion attempts, or violence against US territory.
