(MENAFN) The US Supreme Court has instructed the Trump administration to pause the deportation of a group of suspected Venezuelan gang members.

A civil rights organization filed a lawsuit to prevent the removal of these individuals, who are currently being held in detention in Texas, claiming they were unable to challenge their cases in court.

In a controversial move, Donald Trump sent the accused Venezuelan gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador, citing the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.

This law grants the president the authority to detain and deport individuals from "enemy" nations without following standard procedures.

The law had previously been used only three times, all during times of war.

The White House has dismissed legal challenges against the use of this law for mass deportations as "meritless litigation."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed confidence in the legality of the administration's actions, asserting that the government would ultimately succeed against the "meritless litigation" brought forth by "radical activists" who prioritize the rights of "terrorist aliens" over the interests of American citizens.

The Alien Enemies Act was last enforced during World War II, when individuals of Japanese descent were detained without trial and thousands were placed in internment camps.

Since assuming office in January, Trump’s stringent immigration policies have faced several legal challenges.

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