The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday that the Trump administration can resume deportations of Venezuelan migrants accused of gang affiliations, marking a significant legal victory for the White House.
In a narrow 5–4 decision, the court upheld the administration’s use of the centuries-old Alien Enemies Act to remove individuals allegedly tied to criminal groups. The law, enacted in 1798, grants the president the authority to detain or deport foreign nationals during times of conflict if they are deemed a threat to national security.
The ruling lifts a previous federal injunction and clears the way for immigration authorities to proceed, provided migrants are given a “reasonable opportunity” to challenge their deportation in court.
Critics have condemned the move as unconstitutional and discriminatory. In a sharp dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned that applying an 18th-century law in modern immigration enforcement risks bypassing due process and weakening civil liberties.
The Trump administration argues that the policy is essential for protecting the country from transnational gangs, particularly the notorious Tren de Aragua criminal network, which it claims has embedded itself within migrant flows from Venezuela.
Immigration advocacy groups have pledged to continue legal challenges and are urging Congress to review the use of archaic emergency powers in current-day policy.
The decision is expected to intensify the political and legal battles over immigration reform as the 2025 election season heats up.
