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The Justice Department has requested that the Supreme Court review a case involving the use of the Alien Enemies Act, a law dating back over two centuries. President Donald Trump is seeking to use this act to deport alleged members of the Tren de Aragua, a group designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The administration argues that the lower court's decision to halt deportations intrudes on the president’s national security powers.
The emergency appeal, filed on Friday (March 28), comes after U.S. District Judge James Boasberg temporarily stopped further deportations while the case is under litigation. The administration had already deported over 200 alleged members of the group to El Salvador, where they were placed in a high-security prison. President Trump has criticized Judge Boasberg's decision, calling for his impeachment, which prompted Chief Justice John Roberts to warn against impeaching judges based on their rulings.
The Justice Department, led by acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris, argues that the case involves critical questions about the president's authority to protect the nation. The administration claims that the Tren de Aragua has been conducting irregular warfare against the United States and poses a significant threat. The group is reportedly involved in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking and extortion, and is closely linked to the Maduro regime in Venezuela.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld Judge Boasberg's order, leading to the administration's appeal to the Supreme Court.