The U.S. Supreme Court has issued an emergency order temporarily blocking the Trump administration from deporting a group of Venezuelan migrants detained in Texas. The migrants were being held under the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law dating back to the 18th century.
The court’s decision, delivered late on April 19, 2025, instructed the federal government not to proceed with any deportations until further notice. The order came after concerns were raised that the deportations were being rushed without proper legal review.
Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented. Justice Alito argued that the majority acted too quickly without hearing enough from the government.
The emergency appeal was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, which warned that the detainees were at immediate risk of being removed from the country without due process. The administration claimed that the migrants were affiliated with Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang classified as a terrorist organization.
Earlier in March, over 130 Venezuelans were deported under similar circumstances. Reports indicated that some were flagged due to their tattoos—criteria that experts say are not reliable indicators of gang membership.
The administration has not yet commented on the Supreme Court’s order. It remains uncertain how they will respond or whether the deportations will continue once the legal review progresses.
This decision highlights ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement and the use of historical laws to justify modern deportation policies. Legal analysts expect the case to play a significant role in shaping future rulings on immigration and civil rights.
