Following a temporary Supreme Court block on deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, the Trump administration urges the court to allow removals using less controversial legal provisions.
Washington, D.C., April 20: The Trump administration has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to permit the deportation of Venezuelan migrants detained in Texas under alternate immigration laws, after the court issued a temporary halt on removals under the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime-era statute.
The administration’s request, filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, seeks clarity on whether other immigration laws—deemed less controversial—can be used to continue deportations of individuals deemed security threats. This comes amid heightened scrutiny over the administration’s use of wartime authority to fast-track deportations.
“The government is directed not to remove any member of the putative class of detainees from the United States until further order of this court,” the Supreme Court stated in its order, without distinguishing between different legal bases for deportation.
⚖️ DOJ Pushes for Alternative Legal Pathways
The Justice Department argued that while the court considers the legality of using the Alien Enemies Act, it should not prevent deportations under other existing immigration laws. The administration asserts that the Supreme Court’s language left room for ambiguity, and is asking for clarification to proceed with deportations of at least some migrants through other means.
🗣️ White House Stands Firm
The White House, in a statement, reaffirmed President Trump’s commitment to strict immigration enforcement, referencing the presence of individuals allegedly tied to criminal networks such as Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
“President Trump promised the American people to use all lawful measures to remove the threat of terrorist illegal aliens,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, adding,
“We are confident in the lawfulness of the Administration’s actions and in ultimately prevailing against an onslaught of meritless litigation brought by radical activists.”
🧑⚖️ Federal Judge Cites Limited Authority
Previously, a federal judge in Washington D.C. expressed concern over the deportation tactics but stated he lacked the authority to halt the removals under the Alien Enemies Act, even as legal battles intensified in Texas.
🔍 Broader Implications
The case highlights the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement, especially in its use of rarely-invoked legal mechanisms like the Alien Enemies Act. Critics argue such measures blur the line between national security and humanitarian obligations, while supporters view them as necessary to curb unlawful immigration.
📊 What’s Next?
The Supreme Court is expected to provide further direction on whether removals can proceed under non-wartime immigration statutes. Until then, all deportations involving the specific group of migrants remain on hold.