- Trump administration deported alleged Tren de Aragua gang members.
- Federal judge blocked deportation under Alien Enemies Act.
- White House defended actions, claiming judge lacked authority.
- Trump described the deportation as part of a “war” effort.
The Trump administration defied a federal court order and moved ahead with deporting alleged members of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang. Over 200 members, accused of violent crimes like kidnapping and extortion, were targeted for removal. This sparked a heated debate on executive and judicial powers.
Federal Judge James Boasberg had blocked the deportations. He ruled that the Alien Enemies Act, used by the administration, was not applicable. The judge explained that the law only applies during wartime, which was not the case here.
Despite the ruling, the White House rejected the judge’s order. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt argued that the president’s authority over foreign affairs outweighed the court’s decision. She emphasized that the courts usually don’t interfere in presidential decisions on deporting foreign criminals
Decision Sparks Backlash
The decision to move forward with deportations, despite the judge’s ruling, has triggered strong criticism. Legal experts are calling it a rare attack on the judicial system. Patrick Eddington from the Cato Institute even referred to it as a “severe test” of constitutional checks and balances.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also expressed grave concerns. They urged the government to avoid sending anyone to foreign governments against court orders. ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt insisted, “If any individual was deported despite the court’s ruling, the government must work to bring them back.”
President Trump defended the deportations, equating the increase in immigration to a state of war. “This is war. In many respects, it’s more dangerous than war because, in a war, they have uniforms,” he stated on Air Force One. He justified the deportations as necessary for national security.
Deportations Continue Despite Ruling
Despite a court order, deportation flights went ahead as planned. In fact, footage showed alleged gang members being escorted off a plane in the dark upon arrival in El Salvador. President Nayib Bukele shared the video on social media, captioning it, “Oopsie… Too late,” followed by a laughing emoji.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also shared the post, thanking Bukele for his “assistance and friendship.” Flight data confirmed the deported individuals were flown from Harlingen Airport in Texas. They arrived in San Salvador late on Saturday night.
Additionally, El Salvador agreed to house the deported gang members in a high-security facility. The Terrorism Confinement Center, designed to hold thousands of prisoners, will house them. This decision has sparked significant legal debates and raised concerns about international law.
Georgetown Law professor Steve Vladeck, for example, argued that federal courts’ jurisdiction extends beyond US borders. He emphasized that the court’s order should have been respected, regardless of the deportation’s location. Immigration law expert Peter Markowitz also criticized the administration’s actions.
Ultimately, the Trump administration’s defiance of the court raises questions about presidential power. Critics argue that it sets a dangerous precedent. As legal challenges continue, the debate over the balance of power in the US government will likely intensify.