On Monday, April 7, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration can continue to deport Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act, overturning a lower court ruling that temporarily stopped the deportations. During times of war or when a foreign country invades the US, the president is allowed to put this law from 1798 into effect. In this case, President Trump invoked this law by asserting that Tren de Aragua, a terrorist organization from Venezuela, was operating in its own country’s interest against the United States.
Supreme Court Ruling on Detained Venezuelan Migrants
While the Trump administration claimed victory with this ruling, the decision did not address the constitutional considerations of using the Alien Enemies Act to send migrants to a terrorist confinement prison in El Salvador. Instead, the court made its decision by stating that the lawsuit was filed in the wrong court. The migrants’ lawyers needed to refile the deportation defense in Texas, where Venezuelan migrants were being detained, instead of Washington, D.C.
The judges also ordered the administration to give the Venezuelan migrants detained a notice “within a reasonable time” if they were subject to deportation, in case they decide to challenge the decision.
Immigration Advocates Count the Ruling as a Win
The attorneys representing the Venezuelan migrants expressed disappointment that they would have to refile the lawsuit in another court; however, they counted the Supreme Court’s ruling as a win, since the Supreme Court rejected the administration’s push towards immediate deportation. This demonstrates that there are legal limitations on the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act.
As immigration policies change and new rulings are made, it is important to stay up to date. If you believe that the new administration’s policies can affect you or your family, it is recommended to hire an experienced immigration lawyer as soon as you can.
Speak to an Experienced Deportation Defense Attorney Today
Reeves Immigration Law Group has served the immigrant community for over four decades, obtaining success even in the most complex legal cases. Being placed in deportation proceedings is scary, and our immigration attorneys do everything in their power to ensure that families and individuals receive optimal results in court.
Contact us today to connect with the best deportation lawyers. We promise to be by your side through it all because we believe in making a difference in the lives of others and our community.
