Judge Warns of Consequences if Trump Admin Violated Deportation Order/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A U.S. judge has warned the Trump administration that there could be consequences if it violated a court order halting deportations under an 18th-century wartime law. The administration insists that the judge is overstepping his authority and has hinted at invoking “state secrets” privileges to withhold information about the flights. The dispute is part of a broader legal battle over Trump’s use of executive power on immigration, with calls for the judge’s impeachment escalating tensions between the judiciary and the White House.
Legal Battle Over Trump’s Deportation Flights: Quick Look
- Judge James Boasberg questions if the Trump administration ignored a court order halting deportations.
- Justice Department refuses to provide full details on deportation flights to El Salvador.
- Government may invoke “state secrets” privilege to avoid disclosing information.
- Trump calls for Boasberg’s impeachment, intensifying his battle with the judiciary.
- Judge extends deadline to Thursday for government response.
- El Salvador confirms the deportees arrived, despite the judge’s order.
- White House defends Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, citing national security concerns.
Judge Warns of Consequences if Trump Admin Violated Deportation Order
Judge and Trump Administration Clash Over Deportations
Judge Questions Compliance With His Order
A legal standoff is unfolding between U.S. District Judge James Boasberg and the Trump administration over its deportation of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
On March 15, Boasberg issued an order blocking deportations under the wartime law, arguing that Trump had overstepped his executive powers. However, planes carrying migrants still took off for El Salvador, prompting the judge to demand details on flight schedules, passenger numbers, and compliance with his ruling.
“This is not a fishing expedition,” Boasberg wrote, rejecting the administration’s claim that his request was unnecessary. “The government must explain whether it deliberately flouted a court order.”
Justice Department Resists Court Demands
In response, the Justice Department argued that Boasberg’s request represents a “grave encroachment” on the executive branch’s authority in national security and foreign policy matters.
“The court’s continued intrusions into executive authority must end,” government lawyers wrote in a filing Wednesday, warning they were considering invoking the “state secrets” privilege to withhold sensitive information.
The department declined to confirm how many deportees were on the flights but admitted that at least 261 migrants had been deported, including 137 under the Alien Enemies Act.
Trump Calls for Judge’s Impeachment
Trump has escalated the fight, calling Boasberg a “troublemaker” and an “unelected agitator” in a Truth Social post.
“The American people gave me a mandate to secure our borders and fight illegal immigration. This judge is standing in the way and should be IMPEACHED!!!” Trump wrote.
His remarks mirror his previous clashes with the judiciary, where he has often attacked judges who ruled against his policies.
Deportees Arrive in El Salvador, President Bukele Mocks U.S. Court Order
Despite Boasberg’s ruling, El Salvador confirmed the migrants arrived safely, with President Nayib Bukele mocking the situation on social media.
“Oopsie… too late,” Bukele posted, alongside a news article referencing Boasberg’s order to halt the flights.
El Salvador is imprisoning the deported migrants in its high-security Terrorism Confinement Center, under a deal with the Trump administration to house members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
White House Defends Trump’s Use of 18th-Century Law
The White House has stood by Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, an obscure wartime law that has only been used three times in U.S. history—all during declared wars.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration is within its legal authority to identify and remove foreign nationals deemed a national security risk.
“This is a matter of protecting Americans,” Leavitt said. “The president has full authority to act, and we will continue to do so.”
However, critics argue that Trump’s use of the law without a formal war declaration is unconstitutional, setting up a potential Supreme Court showdown.
What Happens Next?
- Deadline Extended: Boasberg has given the administration until Thursday noon to either provide the requested flight details or formally invoke the state secrets doctrine.
- Potential Contempt Ruling: If the court finds the government violated the order, Trump officials could face legal consequences.
- Congressional Pushback: Democrats in Congress are weighing legal action to challenge Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act.
With immigration a central issue in Trump’s presidency, the legal battle over deportations is likely to escalate into a broader constitutional crisis.
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