In a surprising late-night decision, the US Supreme Court has paused President Donald Trump’s efforts to deport Venezuelan migrants using a very old and rarely used law. The law, called the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, was last used during World War II to detain Japanese-Americans. Trump recently used it to send Venezuelan migrants to a well-known prison in El Salvador—without giving them a fair trial or chance to defend themselves.
The Supreme Court’s emergency order came just before more deportations were about to happen. The court said that no more people from the group of Venezuelan migrants can be removed from the US until further notice. Two of the nine judges disagreed with the decision, but the majority voted to pause the deportations.
Trump claims he’s doing this to stop violent gangs from Venezuela that the US has now labeled as terrorist groups. He says these actions are necessary to protect the country. But critics, including civil rights groups and Democrats, argue that he’s misusing the law and ignoring the Constitution.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which helped bring the case to court, said they were relieved. They believe the migrants were at risk of being locked up for life in a foreign prison without ever being heard by a judge.
Trump has made immigration a key part of his political message. He’s sent troops to the border, added tariffs on neighboring countries, and used strong language about migrants. But many believe he’s crossing legal lines and using fear to gain more power.
The Supreme Court’s decision is temporary for now, but it’s a major blow to Trump’s latest immigration plan. A longer legal battle is expected to follow.
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