In a decision that defies logic and undermines national security, the Supreme Court recently extended a temporary injunction against the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport illegal aliens, specifically targeting dangerous criminals like Venezuelan gang members affiliated with Tren de Aragua. The ruling, which halts the administration’s efforts to swiftly remove violent offenders, is the latest example of the judiciary prioritizing bureaucratic measures over the safety of American citizens.

By allowing these individuals to remain in the country while endless legal procedures grind on, the Court has exposed a glaring double standard: Illegal aliens were permitted to flood across our borders with no process, yet now the administration—backed by a clear voter mandate—must navigate a labyrinth of judicial and procedural hurdles to protect the public.

Enacted in 1798, the Alien Enemies Act grants the president authority to detain and deport aliens deemed a threat to national security during times of emergency. President Trump invoked this law on March 15 to address the growing menace of criminal gangs exploiting America’s porous borders.

The proclamation targeted members of Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan gang notorious for drug trafficking, human smuggling, and violent crime. These are not “undocumented dreamers” seeking a better life, but hardened criminals who pose a clear and present danger to communities across the nation. Yet, the Supreme Court’s decision to extend the injunction, overriding a Fifth Circuit ruling, effectively shields these individuals from deportation, leaving Americans vulnerable to their predatory actions.

The Court’s rationale hinges on procedural concerns, arguing that deportations under the Alien Enemies Act bypass ordinary removal processes. But this obsession with process ignores the urgency of the crisis. In 2024 alone, ICE reported apprehending over 80,000 illegal aliens with criminal convictions, including thousands charged with violent offenses like murder, assault, and sexual crimes.

These are not hypothetical threats. Communities in Texas, Arizona, and beyond have seen spikes in gang-related violence tied to unchecked illegal migration. By stalling deportations, the Court ensures that these criminals remain free to terrorize law-abiding citizens, all in the name of procedural niceties.

This ruling exposes a maddening double standard that erodes public trust in our institutions. For years, illegal aliens have crossed the southern border with impunity and were often released into the interior with little to no vetting. The Biden administration’s lax policies allowed millions enter without any meaningful process at all.

Yet, now, when a duly elected president, backed by voters who demanded greater border security, tries to implement that security, the judiciary slams on the brakes, demanding exhaustive legal processes that could drag on for months or years. This is not justice, but a betrayal of the American people.

The 2024 election was a referendum on border security. Voters resoundingly endorsed Trump’s agenda to secure the border, deport criminal aliens, and prioritize American safety. Polls showed 65 percent of Americans supported mass deportations of illegal aliens with criminal records, reflecting widespread frustration with decades of lax enforcement.

The Supreme Court’s decision disregards this mandate, undermining democratic accountability. By prioritizing the invented procedural rights of foreign criminals over the safety of citizens, the judiciary is complicit in the chaos that has gripped our border communities.

The longer deportations are delayed, the greater the chance that these individuals will slip through the cracks, disappearing into sanctuary jurisdictions or committing further crimes.

The Supreme Court’s decision also sets a dangerous precedent, emboldening activist judges to challenge the executive’s authority on matters of national security. If the judiciary can paralyze the president’s ability to deport foreign criminals, what will stop it from undermining other critical policies, like counterterrorism or disaster response? This is not about checks and balances; it is about unelected judges substituting their own preferences for the will of the people.

It is time for the Court to reconsider its priorities. The safety of Americans must come first. The Alien Enemies Act, far from being an anachronism, is a vital tool for addressing modern threats. The administration should be allowed to execute its deportation plan without judicial obstruction, ensuring that violent criminals are removed before they can harm more innocent lives. Congress, too, must act to clarify the executive’s authority, closing loopholes that allow endless litigation to delay justice.

The Supreme Court’s injunction is a victory for process over people, for criminals over citizens. It is a stark reminder that the fight for border security is not just a fight against illegal immigration but one that must also fight a judicial system that too often forgets its duty to protect Americans. We cannot afford to let legal gamesmanship endanger our communities any longer.