From The News - 23 Apr 2025
Weird SCOTUS Ruling, Dem Judge Resigns, State Dept Shakeup, 18 Countries
Weird Ruling From #SCOTUS
The Supreme Court acted "literally in the middle of the night" and without sufficient explanation in blocking the Trump administration from deporting any Venezuelans held in northern Texas under an 18th-century wartime law, Justice Samuel Alito wrote in a sharp dissent that castigated the seven-member majority.
Joined by fellow conservative Justice Clarence Thomas, Alito said there was "dubious factual support" for granting the request in an emergency appeal from the American Civil Liberties Union. The group contended that immigration authorities appeared to be moving to restart such removals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
So, what’s next? First, the Fifth Circuit denied the detainees’ request for a stay, calling it “premature” since no lower court had yet ruled on the merits of their challenge to the Alien Enemies Act’s use. The Fifth Circuit may proceed to hear arguments on the legality of Trump’s March 15, 2025, executive order invoking the 1798 law to deport alleged Tren de Aragua gang members. The Fifth Circuit’s expedited schedule suggests a ruling could come within weeks (potentially May-June 2025), given the case’s urgency and the Supreme Court’s directive for swift action.
And, #SCOTUS April 19 order directed Solicitor General John Sauer to file a response to the detainees’ request to block their removal “as soon as possible” after the Fifth Circuit acts.
Sauer’s response will likely defend the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, arguing that: the executive has broad authority under Article II to address national security threats, as outlined in Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris’s earlier brief. Tren de Aragua gang’s activities constitute an “invasion,” justifying deportations without standard immigration processes.
Read Article | Scotus Blog | History of Alien Enemies Act |
NM Democrat Judge Resigns After Criminal Illegal Alien Found In His Home
A New Mexico Democrat judge resigned after an illegal migrant suspected of being a Tren de Aragua gang member was arrested at his residence.
Dona Ana County Magistrate Judge Jose “Joel” Cano resigned from the bench shortly after Cristhian Ortega-Lopez was arrested by federal authorities in March, according to the Albuquerque Journal. Ortega-Lopez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan national, is accused of being an illegal migrant in possession of firearms and having affiliations with Tren de Aragua, an international criminal syndicate and U.S.-designated terrorist organization.
This looks like a story with a lot yet to be told. Recurring themes: Democrat Judge, harboring criminal illegal aliens, judge’s wife brought the illegal alien into their home, illegal alien was hanging with the judges daughter, …
| Read Article | Gateway Pundit | Breitbart |
Rubio Announces Major State Dept Reorganization
The Trump administration is reorganizing the State Department to eliminate offices it considers redundant and cut some programs it says do not align with U.S. interests, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday.
"This approach will empower the Department from the ground up, from the bureaus to the embassies," Rubio said in a statement, describing the moves as part of President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda.
"Region-specific functions will be consolidated to increase functionality, redundant offices will be removed, and non-statutory programs that are misaligned with America’s core national interests will cease to exist," Rubio said.
Trump Admin continues to #DrainTheSwamp!
| Read Article | Reuters |
Eighteen Countries Offer Trade Deals
The White House said Tuesday it is progressing on a potential trade agreement with China, and that it has received 18 trade proposals from other countries and that a total of 100 nations seek to reach a deal with the U.S.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump issued a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs against foreign imports, with the exception of China, giving other nations a chance to negotiate deals to avert the additional levies. On Monday, Vice President JD Vance reportedly said the U.S. and India agreed to a roadmap for a trade agreement, and the U.S. and Japan also reportedly are close to an interim trade deal.
President Trump’s world markets restructuring continues apace!
| Read Article | PolyMarket | EUractiv |