Alito criticizes SCOTUS deportation decision in strongly-worded dissent
The Supreme Court made a controversial decision to temporarily block the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. This move has sparked a fiery dissent from Justice Samuel Alito, who criticized the timing and lack of explanation for the decision.
The decision, which was signed off on by Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, advises the White House not to remove Venezuelans held in Texas’ Bluebonnet Detention Center until further notice. Alito, along with Justice Clarence Thomas, expressed their disapproval of the abrupt nature of the decision, which was issued in the middle of the night without allowing lower courts to rule or hearing from the opposing party.
The Trump administration filed an opposition to the order, stating that detainees were given advance notice before their deportations, allowing them to file habeas claims. The government agreed not to remove detainees who file such claims, indicating a willingness to follow due process.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) had previously filed an emergency appeal to stop the deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The Supreme Court had previously allowed limited deportations to continue as long as due process was provided.
The Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which allows for the deportation of natives and citizens of an enemy nation without a hearing, has rarely been invoked in U.S. history. The recent use of this law has raised concerns about the rights of migrants and the need for proper legal procedures to be followed.
Overall, the Supreme Court’s decision to halt Venezuelan deportations has sparked debate and controversy. The Trump administration’s response and the ACLU’s appeal reflect the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. It remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved and what implications it may have for future immigration policies.
