- Supreme Court issued 1 AM ruling to stop deportations
- Migrants received English-only notices with no appeal options
- Multiple prisoners wrongly labeled as gang members
- CECOT facility described as lifelong incarceration risk
In a dramatic overnight legal showdown, the American Civil Liberties Union successfully prevented the deportation of Venezuelan detainees to El Salvador's controversial CECOT prison complex. The organization mobilized rapidly after learning Thursday evening about imminent transfers from a Texas detention facility, launching parallel court challenges that culminated in a historic Supreme Court intervention.
ACLU lead attorney Lee Gelernt revealed the government served removal notices in English without explaining legal rights or appeal processes. These individuals faced deportation to one of Latin America's most dangerous prisons within hours,Gelernt told ABC News. The government's failure to provide adequate translation services or due process violates fundamental constitutional principles.
The crisis highlights growing concerns about expanded use of the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century statute originally targeting wartime adversaries. Legal experts note recent administrations have increasingly applied this law to justify rapid deportations without judicial review. A 2025 Georgetown University study found 39% of Alien Enemies Act deportees lacked proper legal representation.
Regional analysts point to Kilmar Abrego Garcia's case as a cautionary example. Deported to CECOT in March 2025 despite Maryland residency, this Salvadoran native now faces indefinite detention without trial. The prison's overcrowded conditions and reported human rights violations have drawn condemnation from international observers.
Texas detainees described chaotic scenes as guards prepared deportees for flights to Central America. One migrant's girlfriend recounted through interpreters: They were taken to the airport, then suddenly returned. No explanations, just more uncertainty.ACLU filings show similar patterns in Florida and Arizona detention centers, suggesting nationwide coordination.
As legal battles continue, human rights organizations urge reforms to deportation notification systems. Proposed changes include mandatory native-language documentation and 72-hour appeal windows. With CECOT's maximum security blocks operating at 218% capacity, advocates warn time is running out to prevent irreversible harm.