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The Supreme Court has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from deporting Venezuelan men under the Alien Enemies Act, a law dating back to 1798. This decision came early Saturday (April 19) after an emergency appeal by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to prevent imminent deportations to El Salvador.
The court's order, issued without a full explanation, prevents the removal of detainees currently held in Texas until further notice. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented from the decision. The Alien Enemies Act allows for the detention or deportation of citizens from an enemy nation during wartime or invasion, but it has rarely been used, last invoked during World War II.
The Trump administration cited the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a threat, justifying the use of the act. However, the ACLU argues that these deportations could result in life sentences in a Salvadoran prison without due process. ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt praised the court's decision, stating, "These men were in imminent danger of spending their lives in a horrific foreign prison without ever having had a chance to go to court."
The legal battle continues as the Supreme Court awaits a response from the government. The detainees' lawyers emphasize the need for judicial review to ensure due process is upheld.