Supreme Court Backs Trump on Alien Enemies Act Deportations With Conditions:

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to allow former President Donald Trump’s administration to proceed with deportations of Venezuelan nationals under the Alien Enemies Act, a law dating back to 1798, traditionally used during wartime. The court emphasized that individuals must receive notice and be allowed to seek legal relief before being removed.

Summary of the Ruling

The court temporarily lifted a lower court’s block issued by Judge James Boasberg, which had halted the deportations pending further litigation. However, the justices added that deportees must be notified in time to challenge their removal through habeas corpus petitions in the appropriate legal venue. The ruling does not resolve whether Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act was lawful.

Legal Context and Implementation

Trump cited the Alien Enemies Act on March 15 to deport alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The administration argued the law enabled quick action against non-citizens seen as security threats, though traditionally, the law is reserved for wartime actions.

Boasberg had initially blocked these actions, prompting the administration to appeal. The ruling redirects the legal process to Texas, where detainees are held, instead of Washington, D.C.

Criticism and Due Process Concerns

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, writing for the dissent, criticized the majority for making a quick decision without fully addressing whether habeas corpus is the only method to challenge such deportations. She warned that requiring individual lawsuits could leave many at risk of being transferred secretly, without time to mount legal defenses.

The ACLU, which is representing a group of Venezuelan men detained by immigration authorities, saw the ruling as a partial win. Attorney Lee Gelernt noted the court affirmed the need for due process before deportation.

Ongoing Legal Dispute and Political Fallout

Though the court allowed deportations to proceed, it did not determine if Trump's actions met the legal standards under the Alien Enemies Act. Plaintiffs argue the law should apply only during declared wars or invasions.

After the lower court's block, two flights carrying deportees were allowed to continue to El Salvador, where 238 men were handed over to local authorities. Judge Boasberg later questioned whether this violated his order, but the Justice Department claimed the planes had already exited U.S. airspace.

Trump has since attacked Boasberg online and called for his impeachment, prompting a public rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts.