The United States Supreme Court has suspended the expulsion of the Venezuelan detainees referred to by President Donald Trump of the extraterrestrial enemy law of 1798, in the midst of increasing legal and political controversy.
The decision, made early Saturday in a brief unsigned order, orders the government not to withdraw any member of the group until further notice.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the emergency request after certain men in northern Texas were transported for an imminent expulsion without regular procedure.
Trump administration invoked secular law in wartime – used only during major conflicts – to justify the abolition of individuals accused of gang affiliations, especially with Tren of Aragua from Venezuela.
Of the 261 Venezuelans deported since April 8, 137 were removed under this law.
ACLU alleys that prisoners have not been informed of their rights to challenge the expulsion and have received opinions only in English, despite linguistic barriers.
A lower court had already blocked certain moves in March, citing regular procedural problems.
Judges Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissident from the Saturday decision.
The decision increases the tensions between the executive power and the judiciary, potentially preparing the way for a constitutional confrontation.
The administration expanded El Salvadoran Kilmar Ábrego García by mistake, later admitting the error, while maintaining that it is linked to MS-13.
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled to authorize its return, although officials said that it would not be authorized to relive in the United States.
Trump promised to eradicate foreign criminal networks, using the executive power to circumvent traditional immigration procedures. Critics warn the test movements of constitutional limits and erode judicial surveillance.
The White House has not yet commented on the last decision of the court.
