Trump Asks Supreme Court to Reinstate Law for Swift Deportation of Venezuelan Migrants
United States President Donald Trump has petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn a temporary order preventing him from using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to rapidly deport alleged Venezuelan gang members. The move is part of his administration’s aggressive immigration policy but has sparked legal and political controversy.
Key Points:
-
Legal Challenge and Supreme Court Appeal:
-
The Trump administration filed a request to lift Washington-based US District Judge James Boasberg’s March 15 order blocking deportations under the Alien Enemies Act.
-
The US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit upheld the block on March 27.
-
Trump argues the law, historically used in wartime, allows him to take swift action against Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang.
-
-
Controversy Over Presidential Powers:
-
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is representing detained Venezuelans, arguing that Trump exceeded his authority, as the law only applies in wartime or invasion scenarios.
-
The Justice Department asserts that the president—not the courts—has the power to make national security decisions.
-
Trump’s order allowed two deportation flights to El Salvador, where 238 Venezuelan men were handed over to authorities.
-
-
Judicial and Political Fallout:
-
Trump called for Judge Boasberg’s impeachment, prompting a rare rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts.
-
A DC Circuit judge compared Trump’s policy to Nazi-era deportations, sparking a heated exchange in court.
-
Many deportees’ families dispute the gang allegations, with one deportee—a Venezuelan soccer player—wrongly accused over a tattoo of Real Madrid’s logo.
-
Trump’s Call with Canadian PM Amid Rising Tensions
In a separate development, Trump held a “productive” phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney ahead of Canada’s elections next month.
-
Trump said they agreed on many issues and would meet post-election to discuss politics, business, and trade relations.
-
The call comes amid rising tensions, with Carney vowing to make Canada’s economy less dependent on the US and Trump threatening new tariffs on April 2.
-
Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada could become the 51st US state, further straining diplomatic ties.
Trump’s latest legal and diplomatic moves highlight his administration’s hardline immigration policies and volatile foreign relations. His push to bypass judicial oversight in deporting Venezuelan migrants faces strong legal resistance, while his strained relationship with Canada signals further economic tensions ahead.
