In a brief, unsigned ruling, the Court ordered the government to halt the removal of any detainees from the group in question until further notice. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented from the decision, which was issued around 12:55 a.m. (0455 GMT).

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed urgent petitions on Friday, seeking immediate intervention after reports surfaced that some detainees had already been put on buses and told they were being deported. The ACLU argued that the government was using a 1798 wartime law to remove the individuals without offering them a proper chance to contest their deportation, as previously required by the Supreme Court.

“These men were at risk of being sent to foreign prisons for life without ever having their day in court. We are relieved the Supreme Court has stepped in to prevent their swift deportation, as others were recently subjected to,” said Lee Gelernt, lead attorney for the ACLU.

The case raises concerns about the Trump administration’s adherence to the Supreme Court’s limits, potentially setting the stage for a major constitutional clash between the executive and judicial branches of government.

President Trump had invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to expedite the deportation of individuals linked to Tren de Aragua, a criminal gang from Venezuela that his administration has labeled a terrorist group.

The U.S. and Venezuela have reached a consensus to restart the deportation flights, which had been suspended amid rising tensions. These repatriation efforts are part of a broader initiative to address the ongoing migration crisis, with both countries working to manage the flow of migrants in a way that addresses concerns of national security and humanitarian needs.

The resumption of flights comes after a controversial period in which the United States had been sending Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, a move that angered Venezuela’s government and further strained relations. Venezuela had strongly opposed these deportations, viewing them as a violation of sovereignty. However, after several rounds of negotiations, both countries have agreed to resume direct repatriations.

Diplomatic Implications and Future Relations
The resumption of deportation flights signals a potential thaw in U.S.-Venezuela relations, although the two nations remain deeply divided on a number of issues. While this step is seen as a diplomatic breakthrough, it underscores the complexities of migration policy and international relations, with both sides seeking to balance their domestic concerns with international cooperation.

Venezuela’s government, which had expressed anger over the previous deportations to El Salvador, has welcomed the new arrangement, with officials asserting that it aligns more closely with Venezuela’s interests. This agreement is expected to pave the way for further diplomatic discussions on migration and other critical issues, though challenges remain.

For the United States, this move reflects the ongoing efforts to manage migration at its southern border while negotiating terms with countries like Venezuela, which has been a significant source of migrants in recent years due to the country’s economic and political turmoil.

Challenges Ahead for the U.S.-Venezuela Relations
Despite the resumption of deportations, this agreement is just one part of a broader and more contentious relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela. While migration remains a critical issue, other challenges such as the economic sanctions placed on Venezuela by the U.S., ongoing political instability, and human rights concerns continue to create friction between the two nations.

In the coming months, it remains to be seen how this repatriation deal will impact broader diplomatic efforts, and whether it will open the door for more comprehensive cooperation or serve as a temporary compromise in the complex relationship between the two nations.