The Supreme Court handed down a ruling Tuesday supporting the government's power to detain non-U.S. citizens with past criminal records for deportation.
The issue was whether those detentions should take place immediately after an immigrant's been released from criminal custody, or whether it can happen months or even years down the road.
Federal law simply states detention can happen when the person's released from custody. It doesn't give a specific time limit.
According to the named plaintiff in the case, a Cambodian immigrant, he was detained years after he'd already served a prison sentence for simple battery. His attorneys argued he should've been detained right away and offered a bond hearing to argue for his release.
But supporting justices in the 5-4 decision disagreed, saying the statute doesn't support that claim.
Justice Stephen Breyer wrote the dissenting opinion, saying the decision may deprive certain people of their constitutional right to due process.
The ruling is considered a win for the Trump administration and its immigration policy.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
