The Supreme Court handed President Trump a mixed verdict on his use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport immigrants. While allowing deportations to move forward, the Court stressed that those targeted must get their day in court. This ruling comes after lower courts temporarily blocked Trump’s plan to send suspected gang members to El Salvador’s violent mega-prisons.
The Court lifted a freeze on deportations, clearing the way for the administration to resume removing individuals tied to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Conservatives see this as a victory for border security and executive authority. The ruling confirms presidents can invoke the 1798 wartime law during threats, a power Trump claims is critical to fighting cartels and gangs.
But the Court dealt a blow to Trump’s aggressive approach by upholding due process protections. Justices ruled detainees must receive notice and a chance to challenge their deportation in court. This means the administration can’t deport people without hearings, even under the Alien Enemies Act. Critics argue this requirement slows down efforts to swiftly remove dangerous individuals.
The policy faces scrutiny after Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported. Retired Judge Andrew Napolitano called the error a “black eye” for the White House, noting it undermines public trust. Reports suggest many deportees were wrongly flagged as gang members based on tattoos or shaky evidence. The ACLU claims the policy risks sending innocent people to foreign prisons.
Lower courts had halted deportations, accusing Trump of sidestepping immigration laws. Judge Paula Xinis demanded Garcia’s return, while D.C. Judge James Boasberg explored holding officials in contempt for defying orders. The Supreme Court’s decision kicks the venue issue back to lower courts, ensuring prolonged fights over presidential power and detainee rights.
Conservatives argue judges are overstepping by micromanaging national security decisions. They warn that requiring hearings for every deportation under the Alien Enemies Act ties the government’s hands during crises. Trump allies say the ruling emboldens gangs and weakens border enforcement, prioritizing legal technicalities over public safety.
The administration must now balance faster deportations with court-ordered safeguards. Legal experts predict more appeals, potentially returning to the Supreme Court. For now, the ruling lets Trump continue his tough-on-crime agenda—but with hurdles that critics say protect civil liberties and fans say handcuff law enforcement.
