The US Supreme Court has blocked former President Donald Trump’s attempt to swiftly deport Venezuelan migrants accused of gang affiliations using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act (AEA), a law last used during World War II. The court ruled 7–2 that the deportees weren’t given adequate time or information to contest their removal, violating due process rights.

Trump had used the AEA to deport alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang, though some attorneys claim their clients were falsely targeted based on tattoos and had committed no crimes. A mistaken deportation of a Salvadoran man was also cited.

The Court emphasized that it was not ruling on the legality of using the AEA itself but insisted that basic constitutional rights must be upheld. The case is now directed back to a lower court for further review. Trump, known for his tough immigration stance, criticized the ruling as a barrier to removing criminals from the US.