Trump Deports Immigrants Despite Judge’s Order to Halt Removals/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration deported hundreds of immigrants, including alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang, despite a federal judge’s order to halt the removals. Judge James Boasberg attempted to stop deportation flights, but at least two planes had already departed for El Salvador and Honduras. The deportations were carried out under Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a wartime power that has rarely been invoked in U.S. history. Critics argue the move violates legal protections, while the White House defends the decision, citing national security concerns.
Trump Deportation Controversy: Quick Looks
- Mass Deportations: Hundreds of Venezuelan and Salvadoran immigrants were deported despite a judge’s attempt to block the removals.
- Tren de Aragua Gang Claims: Trump invoked wartime powers under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify the deportations.
- Legal Battle: Judge James Boasberg temporarily blocked removals, but two flights had already departed.
- Administration’s Defense: White House officials claim the court order was issued too late and lacked legal basis.
- Critics’ Concerns: Lawyers and rights groups warn Trump’s move could set a dangerous precedent for future deportations.
- Next Steps: A court hearing is scheduled for Friday to determine the legality of Trump’s actions.
Trump Deports Immigrants Despite Judge’s Order to Halt Removals
Trump Administration Deportations Spark Legal Showdown: Deep Look
The Trump administration has carried out mass deportations despite a federal judge’s attempt to block them, fueling a high-stakes legal battle over the president’s use of wartime powers to remove immigrants from the United States.
On Saturday, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued an order temporarily blocking the deportations, citing concerns over the administration’s legal authority. However, at the time of the ruling, two deportation flights were already in the air—one bound for El Salvador and the other for Honduras.
The Legal Clash: Did Trump Defy the Court?
While Judge Boasberg verbally ordered the flights to be turned around, the directive was not included in his written order. As a result, the planes continued their journey, raising questions about whether the administration defied the court’s intent.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied wrongdoing, stating:
“The administration did not ‘refuse to comply’ with a court order. The order, which had no lawful basis, was issued after terrorist TdA aliens had already been removed from U.S. territory.”
Trump himself declined to comment on whether his administration violated a court order but defended the deportations, calling the immigrants “bad people.”
“This is a time of war,” Trump said, describing the influx of undocumented immigrants as “an invasion.”
Wartime Powers: The Alien Enemies Act of 1798
The legal basis for the deportations stems from Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a rarely used wartime law that grants the president broad powers to detain or deport foreign nationals. The law has only been used three times in U.S. history—during the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II.
Critics argue that Trump’s use of the law is unprecedented and legally questionable, as it has never been applied outside of a congressionally declared war.
Venezuela’s government condemned the move, calling it “evocative of the darkest episodes in human history.”
The Deportations: Who Was Removed?
The Trump administration claims the deportees were members of Tren de Aragua (TdA), a violent Venezuelan gang that has been linked to organized crime across the Americas. However, critics say the administration has provided no concrete evidence that those deported were actually gang members.
In addition to Venezuelans, at least two high-ranking members of MS-13, a notorious Salvadoran gang, were also deported to El Salvador.
Video footage released by El Salvador’s government showed deportees arriving at an airport, shackled and forced to kneel while guards in riot gear stood over them. The men were later shaved, dressed in prison uniforms, and sent to CECOT, a high-security facility known for its harsh conditions.
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele appeared to mock the court ruling, posting on X:
“Oopsie… Too late.”
Rights Groups Sound the Alarm
Immigration lawyers and human rights groups warn that Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act sets a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing the government to deport anyone labeled as a threat—without due process.
“Basically, any Venezuelan citizen in the U.S. may be removed on the pretext of belonging to Tren de Aragua, with no chance at defense,” warned Adam Isacson of the Washington Office for Latin America.
The lawsuit that halted further deportations was filed on behalf of five Venezuelans held in Texas who feared being falsely accused of gang affiliation. Judge Boasberg’s ruling blocks deportations for 14 days, allowing time for a full hearing on Friday.
What Happens Next?
For now, the deportation order is on hold, and the immigrants remain in federal custody. However, the Department of Justice has appealed the ruling, meaning the case could escalate to higher courts.
Judge Boasberg defended his decision, stating that once immigrants are deported, they have little chance of legal recourse.
“Once they’re out of the country, there’s little I could do,” he noted.
With Trump’s hardline immigration policies in full force and legal battles looming, the fight over deportation powers is far from over.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.