A federal judge denied the Trump administration’s request to call off a court hearing involving President Donald Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan nationals. The law, which has only been used three times in U.S. history, was invoked by the administration to deport alleged members of violent gang Tren de Aragua. During the hearing, Judge Boasberg expressed frustration with the government lawyers for not providing details on the number of flights carrying migrants. He ordered the Justice Department to provide more information in writing by the following Tuesday. Boasberg sided with the plaintiffs in granting an emergency order to halt deportations, but a plane filled with migrants had already left for El Salvador by the time the order was given.
The Trump administration repeatedly declined to provide information during the hearing, citing national security concerns. Judge Boasberg ordered the government to submit declarations under oath regarding the planes that had already taken off after the court’s order. The ACLU argued that the U.S. retained custody of the migrants until they landed, and questioned the government’s decision to move forward with the deportations. While the White House Press Secretary stated that the administration intended to appeal the order and suggested it was not lawful, the ACLU asked the court to order the government to submit declarations confirming the deportations.
During the fact-finding hearing, Judge Boasberg pressed government lawyers for details on why his order to return all planes with deported migrants, including those carrying Venezuelan nationals and alleged gang members, was not followed. Boasberg expressed frustration with the administration’s actions, questioning whether there were better options than proceeding with the deportations. The administration requested to vacate the case, and both parties are due back in court for a hearing on the matter. The judge’s order to halt deportations was not heeded in time to prevent a plane carrying over 200 migrants, including more than 130 individuals removed under the Alien Enemies Act, from leaving U.S. airspace.
The Trump administration’s use of the wartime-era law and subsequent deportation of migrants to El Salvador sparked controversy and led to a court battle regarding the legality of the actions. Judge Boasberg’s order to halt deportations was issued to prevent imminent harm to the migrants, a decision which was contested by the administration. The situation highlighted the clash between the administration’s immigration policies and legal challenges brought forth by organizations such as the ACLU. Boasberg, an Obama appointee, expressed disbelief at the administration’s decision to proceed with the deportations despite the court order, indicating a lack of concern for the judicial process.
Overall, the court hearing involving the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan nationals and alleged gang members raised questions about compliance with court orders and the balance between national security concerns and judicial oversight. The administration’s refusal to provide information during the hearing prompted Judge Boasberg to issue further orders for the government to submit declarations under oath. The case reflects the ongoing legal challenges and controversies surrounding the administration’s immigration policies and the broader implications for migrants affected by these actions. The clash between the Trump administration and the judiciary underscores the complexities of balancing executive authority with legal constraints.
