Supreme Court rules against Trump administration in Alien Enemies Act case

In Washington, D.C., on April 21, 2025, a pedestrian passes by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, in a 7-2 ruling, has granted a request from Venezuelan individuals to halt their deportation under the Alien Enemies Act. The court criticized the Trump administration for not providing the detainees with adequate time or resources to challenge their removals. The justices halted the deportation of the individuals, who are accused by the administration of being part of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, until a lower federal appellate court makes a new decision. President Donald Trump expressed anger over the ruling on Friday afternoon, emphasizing his frustration with the court’s decision. The Supreme Court acknowledged the weightiness of the Venezuelans’ interests and emphasized the importance of addressing Alien Enemies Act cases promptly. Justices Alito and Thomas dissented from the opinion, questioning the detainees’ imminent removal danger. Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act against Tren de Aragua in March, alleging the gang’s invasion into the U.S. and declaring certain Venezuelans subject to removal. The former president criticized the court, accusing it of being influenced by the radical left. This criticism followed oral arguments related to Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship.