ACLU Demands Trump Admin Confirm if It Violated Deportation Court Order/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The ACLU and Democracy Forward have asked a federal judge to force the Trump administration to state under oath whether it violated a court order halting deportations. Over 200 individuals were reportedly removed from the U.S. despite Judge James E. Boasberg’s Saturday ruling blocking deportations under Trump’s use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. The White House denied defying the order, but El Salvador’s president appeared to confirm the deportations. A Monday hearing will determine if the administration acted unlawfully.
Trump Administration Faces Court Scrutiny Over Alleged Deportation Violations: Quick Looks
- Judge Orders Explanation: The ACLU asks a judge to determine if the Trump administration violated a court order blocking deportations.
- Controversial Law: Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport Venezuelans, claiming an “invasion” by Tren de Aragua gang members.
- Planes Took Off Despite Ruling: Over 200 migrants were reportedly deported to El Salvador, raising questions about government compliance.
- El Salvador Acknowledges Deportations: President Nayib Bukele posted “Oopsie… too late” after the deportations occurred.
- White House Denies Violating Order: The administration insists it did not “refuse to comply”, but critics argue it ignored legal constraints.
- Judge Schedules Emergency Hearing: A Monday court session will address whether the administration acted unlawfully.
ACLU Demands Trump Administration Confirm if It Defied Court-Ordered Deportation Ban
The Trump administration faces new legal scrutiny after the ACLU and Democracy Forward filed a motion Monday demanding that officials explain under oath whether they violated a federal court order by deporting over 200 individuals to El Salvador.
The motion follows President Donald Trump’s invocation of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used wartime law, to justify mass deportations of Venezuelans he claims are part of the Tren de Aragua gang.
Court Order Halting Deportations
On Saturday night, District Judge James E. Boasberg issued a temporary order barring deportations under Trump’s executive proclamation. Boasberg’s ruling—intended to halt removals while legal challenges proceed—came after the ACLU sued on behalf of several Venezuelans in U.S. custody who feared wrongful deportation.
However, reports surfaced that deportation flights still departed, with over 200 people sent to El Salvador. The White House celebrated the move, prompting legal challenges over whether the administration ignored the court’s directive.
Did the Administration Defy the Order?
Boasberg’s ruling instructed the government’s legal team to inform their clients immediately, stating:
“Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States.”
Yet according to court filings, two planes had already left Texas before the hearing, and a third reportedly took off after the judge’s written order was published at 7:26 p.m. Eastern time.
El Salvador’s Reaction and Social Media Controversy
Adding fuel to the controversy, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele tweeted Sunday morning:
“Oopsie… too late.”
Bukele also confirmed the arrival of over 200 deportees in El Salvador, which had agreed to house migrants in a high-security prison.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung then reposted Bukele’s tweet with a GIF appearing to mock the ruling.
White House Denies Defying Court Order
Despite growing criticism, the Trump administration has denied violating the court order.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement Sunday, saying:
“The administration did not ‘refuse to comply’ with a court order. The ruling had no lawful basis, and we are appealing it.”
The Department of Justice also defended the removals, arguing that some deportees “were no longer in U.S. territory” at the time of the ruling.
Additionally, the administration claimed the court had no authority to dictate how the president enforces national security under the Alien Enemies Act, which gives the executive branch broad authority during times of war or national threats.
ACLU Pushes for Court Inquiry
The ACLU and Democracy Forward argue that the government’s explanation is inadequate and are demanding a formal court declaration on whether it:
- Knowingly deported individuals in violation of the order.
- Interpreted the ruling in a way that allowed flights to continue.
- Acted in bad faith by celebrating deportations on social media.
The plaintiffs argue that if the administration deliberately ignored the order by claiming it only applied to individuals still on U.S. soil, it would be a clear violation of judicial authority.
“If that is how the government proceeded, it was a blatant violation of the Court’s Order,” the legal motion states.
Monday Hearing: What Comes Next?
Judge Boasberg has scheduled a 4 p.m. hearing Monday, where the administration must answer key questions about the deportations.
This hearing could:
- Clarify whether the administration acted unlawfully in executing deportations.
- Lead to further legal consequences if officials are found to have knowingly violated the ruling.
- Shape the ongoing legal battle over Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act.
Boasberg’s ruling remains temporary and is set to expire in 14 days, with a full hearing on the broader legal challenge scheduled for Friday.
Legal and Political Fallout
This case is part of broader tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary over immigration policies.
- Trump’s allies have publicly dismissed court orders that limit executive actions.
- Legal experts warn that ignoring judicial rulings sets a dangerous precedent for the rule of law.
- Democrats and civil rights groups argue that Trump is using a centuries-old law in ways that violate constitutional rights.
With Boasberg’s order set to expire soon, this legal fight is far from over. The outcome of Monday’s hearing and Friday’s full review could determine whether Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act stands—or is struck down in court.
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