Trump Defies Court Order, Expels Alleged Gang Members Under Wartime Powers
The Trump administration has launched a high-stakes immigration crackdown, deporting 250 alleged Venezuelan gang members despite a federal judge’s order to halt the flights. These deportations, carried out under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, have sparked legal battles over executive authority and due process.
The White House, led by Stephen Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, moved swiftly to organize the flights. Officials intentionally kept the order quiet until planes were already airborne, ensuring the deportations continued before courts could intervene. When Judge James Boasberg issued a last-minute ruling to stop the flights, administration lawyers argued the order came too late. Since the planes had already entered international airspace, they claimed the ruling no longer applied.
Why Did Trump’s Team Ignore the Judge’s Order?
The administration justified its actions with three key points:
- The Alien Enemies Act gives the president broad powers to deport noncitizens without judicial oversight.
- The flights had already left U.S. airspace, meaning the judge had no jurisdiction.
- National security concerns outweighed legal challenges, according to White House officials.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt framed the situation as a political fight, stating: “If the Democrats want to argue for turning a plane full of rapists, murderers, and gangsters back to the United States, that’s a fight we are more than happy to take.”
El Salvador’s Role in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
The deported migrants landed in El Salvador, where they were transferred to the CECOT mega-prison—a facility infamous for harsh conditions and human rights concerns.
What is CECOT?
- A 40,000-inmate prison with no outdoor time or rehabilitation programs.
- Cells designed for 65-70 prisoners each, often exceeding capacity.
- Prisoners remain completely cut off from the outside world.
Under a $6 million agreement between Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, El Salvador agreed to hold deportees for one year. However, the U.S. government has not publicly identified the individuals or provided evidence of their gang affiliations.
Legal Fallout: Will Trump’s Deportations Hold Up in Court?
The ACLU and immigrant rights groups have filed lawsuits challenging the use of the Alien Enemies Act, arguing that:
- Congress has not declared war, making the act invalid in this case.
- The individuals were still in U.S. custody when the judge issued his ruling.
- No due process was granted to the deportees, violating constitutional rights.
Despite these challenges, Judge Boasberg’s court hearing will proceed Monday. Meanwhile, the Justice Department refuses to provide further details on the flights.
Trump’s Border Team Doubles Down: ‘We Are Not Stopping’
Trump’s border czar Tom Homan made it clear that the administration will continue mass deportations. “We are not stopping,” he declared. “I don’t care what the judges think.”
The White House sees this case as a test for expanding deportation powers. Officials expect the Supreme Court to eventually side with Trump, strengthening his executive authority on immigration.
What’s Next for Trump’s Deportation Policy?
- More deportation flights planned targeting migrants from other countries.
- Legal battles intensify, likely leading to a Supreme Court showdown.
- Military detention centers under consideration for processing noncitizens.
With immigration shaping up to be a key 2025 election issue, Trump is moving forward with the largest deportation crackdown in modern U.S. history. Whether the courts will stop him remains uncertain.
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