A Day in Court

The U.S. Supreme Court, in an unsigned opinion decided by a 5-4 vote, allowed the resumption of deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members under the authority of the Alien Enemies Act. The order, however, was unanimous that those facing deportation are entitled to judicial review, and the majority held that such review is properly considered wherever the accused is held (in this case, Texas).

Analysis and eternal perspective: The immediate impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling is two-fold: 1) The deportations are permitted to continue using the authority of the Alien Enemies Act, and 2) Deportations will not be permitted unless those detained have an opportunity to challenge their removal.

Both sides of this case are likely to declare victory in part while criticizing other portions of the ruling. It is entirely possible your view of the decision will be similar, and this is a perfect example of a public debate that would benefit from Jesus followers engaging it seriously and deliberately. Both the removal from the country of dangerous criminals and the constitutional right to judicial review of a judgement are critically important components of the U.S. judicial system. It is certain that The Equipped community will have a fairly wide spectrum of views on the best way to balance these sometimes-competing objectives. Even so, there are a couple mandates straight from scripture that each of us can and should affirm.

First, every person is made in the image of God and has eternal significance (Gen. 1:26-27).

Next, those in authority have a sacred duty to defend against danger (Rom. 13:4 calls those in authority “God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer”).

Like so many things, you must hold these two truths in a bit of tension to maintain a level-headed and productive response.

The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.