A courtroom clash is underway as the ACLU takes on the Trump administration’s broader use of the Alien Enemies Act, a development stemming from a recent Supreme Court decision.
Quick Takes
- ACLU and allies file an emergency lawsuit to block removals under the Alien Enemies Act.
- The lawsuit follows a Supreme Court decision lifting a temporary restraining order.
- The Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law from 1798, is being used to bypass current immigration laws.
- The ACLU pushes for class action to protect others facing similar allegations.
The ACLU Lawsuit
The ACLU, along with the NYCLU and The Legal Aid Society, has filed an emergency lawsuit in a federal court in New York to stop the deportation of individuals under the Alien Enemies Act. Allegedly, these individuals have associations with the Tren de Aragua, a group labeled terrorist by the U.S. government. The Trump administration has linked these individuals to hostile activities, justifying their use of the Act, despite its historical intent to be applied during wartime only.
This application of the Act has drawn criticism and concern from immigrant rights groups, who argue that the law is being misinterpreted and overextended. They contend that the Act’s invocation against Venezuelan migrants lacks a connection to direct wartime circumstances, as originally intended.
Supreme Court’s Ruling
The Supreme Court recently lifted a nationwide temporary restraining order, enabling President Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act in deporting non-citizens thought to be linked to terrorist activities. However, the ruling also mandates that removal targets receive due process, allowing them to challenge these decisions with meaningful notice of actions against them. The provision highlighting the need for hearings comes as a significant nod toward addressing concerns raised by immigrant rights advocates.
The Trump administration sees the Supreme Court’s decision as a win, despite the ongoing legal battles. The ruling has solidified its stance, supporting the narrative that the Act’s application is necessary given perceived threats. The constitutionality and modern relevance of the Alien Enemies Act for these situations remain hotly contested in legal circles.
In March 2025, President Donald Trump, back in office, launched an aggressive deportation campaign targeting illegal immigrants. One key move was invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 on March 14, 2025, to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members of Tren de Aragua without standard… pic.twitter.com/hi9REgdNNf
— Just Stuff™ (@just_stuff_tm) April 1, 2025
The Path Forward
The ACLU’s lawsuit marks a pivotal moment as organizations push for systemic changes ensuring all deportation proceedings afford the accused full rights to defend themselves. As it stands, the legal process demands these individuals file challenges within the district where they are held, predominantly in Texas, presenting logistical and judicial challenges.
The core of the argument suggests that the Trump administration has misappropriated the legal framework set by wartime policies to expedite deportations and circumvent traditional immigration channels. Critics maintain that true justice will demand comprehensive hearings to ensure fairness across proceedings.
The discussion surrounding the Alien Enemies Act application to today’s immigration policies will undoubtedly continue to evolve, with both legal and public dimensions influencing future actions. The outcome of this lawsuit may pave the way for more clarity in how historic laws are applied within the contemporary legal context.
Sources:
- Groups Move to Block Removals Under Alien Enemies Act | American Civil Liberties Union
- Trump touts Supreme Court deportation ruling under Alien Enemies Act as victory, but legal fight continues | PBS News
- ACLU files suit to block Alien Enemies Act deportations
- ACLU sues to prevent Trump admin from deporting alien enemies in wake of SCOTUS decision | Blaze Media
