- By Shivangi Sharma
- Tue, 08 Apr 2025 05:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a landmark ruling, the US Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to resume deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used wartime law dating back over two centuries. The court's 5-4 decision permits the government to use the act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members, including those linked to the Tren de Aragua, a notorious criminal organisation. However, detainees must still be granted due process, including the right to challenge their detentions through habeas corpus.
What Is Alien Enemies Act?
The Alien Enemies Act, passed in 1798, is one of the four Alien and Sedition Acts and remains in effect today. It grants the President the authority to detain, relocate, or deport non-citizens from hostile nations during times of war or national emergency involving invasion or foreign aggression. Unlike the other acts from that era, the Alien Enemies Act was never repealed.
Historically, the act was invoked only three times, during the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II. Its latest use marks the first time it’s been triggered in over 75 years.
Why It’s Back in the Spotlight
US President Donald Trump invoked the act last month in an effort to expedite deportations of Venezuelans alleged to be part of criminal networks. The administration argues that groups like Tren de Aragua pose a direct threat to national security, framing the current immigration situation as a form of “invasion,” which legally qualifies for the act's use.
The decision followed an earlier ruling by US District Judge James Boasberg, who temporarily blocked the deportations and certified a class-action lawsuit involving all detained Venezuelans without US citizenship. The Supreme Court's ruling lifts that block, though litigation continues.
Reactions From Officials
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and immigration official Tom Homan praised the Supreme Court’s decision as a “victory for the rule of law.” Bondi stated the ruling allows the administration to “restore sanity” to the immigration system by using all legal tools available.
Noem added, “It is a bad day to be a terrorist and criminal alien in the United States of America,” emphasising the ruling as a win for commonsense security.
