SCOTUS blocks new deportations of Venezuelans in Texas under 18th century Alien Enemies Act

The U.S. Supreme Court made a significant ruling in the early hours of Saturday morning, putting a temporary halt on the deportations of Venezuelan individuals detained in northern Texas under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The justices directed the Trump administration to refrain from removing Venezuelans held at the Bluebonnet Detention Center “until further order of this court.” This decision was not unanimous, as Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented from the majority opinion.

The court’s ruling came after an urgent appeal from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which raised concerns that federal immigration authorities were moving to resume the deportation of migrants under this centuries-old law. Despite the ACLU’s efforts, two federal judges had previously declined to intervene, and the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals had not yet made a decision on the matter.

The Alien Enemies Act has only been invoked a handful of times throughout U.S. history, with its most recent use occurring during World War II to detain Japanese-American civilians in internment camps. The Trump administration has argued that this law grants them the authority to expel individuals they claim are affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang, regardless of their immigration status.

In response to this ongoing legal battle, Democrat Senator Van Hollen recently met and shook hands with Abrego Garcia, a Venezuelan migrant caught in the midst of this deportation controversy. The images of Venezuelan migrants being repatriated from the U.S. and arriving at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, serve as a powerful reminder of the human impact of immigration policies and legal battles.

The Associated Press contributed to the reporting of this story, highlighting the collaborative effort of news organizations to bring attention to this important issue. As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, it is crucial for the public to stay informed and engaged with the evolving developments in this case.

For more updates on this story and other breaking news, be sure to download the Fox News app and stay connected with the latest updates on this pressing issue. The intersection of immigration law, national security concerns, and human rights advocacy underscores the complexity of this situation and the need for a fair and just resolution for all parties involved.