Court lifts ban on Venezuelan deportations under wartime

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday April 7, 2025, lifted a block on deporting Venezuelan migrants under an old wartime law.

According to media report, the court ruled 5-4 in favor of the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

The law allows deportation of nationals from countries considered enemies during times of conflict.

Migrants accused of gang affiliations brought the case, challenging their removal under the rarely used statute.

The Supreme Court said the government must give them time to challenge deportation in court before removal.

However, the justices ordered that all legal challenges must take place in Texas courts.

The decision followed an emergency appeal by the Trump administration after a Washington court blocked the deportations.

The conservative majority said Washington courts had no jurisdiction over the deportation orders.

Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that courts must follow immigration law procedures and respect jurisdiction boundaries.

The court emphasized that deportation should not proceed without legal review opportunities for the migrants.

Critics said moving the cases to Texas could limit access to fair legal representation.

The four liberal justices dissented, warning the ruling endangered due process protections for non-citizens.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued the law could be misused for mass deportations under vague threats.

Immigrant advocates condemned the decision, calling it a setback for human rights and judicial oversight.

The Trump administration previously used the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants amid diplomatic tensions.

Legal experts said the ruling may revive interest in long-dormant wartime laws for modern immigration enforcement.

The Biden administration stopped using the policy but has yet to address the ruling’s broader implications.

Venezuelan communities expressed fear and confusion after the decision became public on Monday.

Civil rights groups vowed to continue challenging the deportations in Texas courts.

The case remains ongoing, with hearings expected to resume in the coming weeks.

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