Judge presses White House over Alien Enemies Act deportation flights
Share and Follow


() District Judge James E. Boasberg whose order was potentially violated when the Trump administration carried out deportation flights to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act is demanding the Justice Department hand over all information about the flights by noon on Tuesday.

The administration invoked the 18th-century wartime law to carry out deportations of more than 250 alleged Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gang members last weekend, despite Boasberg’s temporary block on the removals.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday that Trump “is using every lever of his executive authority and his constitutional authority within the bounds of the immigration laws of our country to ensure that our streets are safer for law-abiding American citizens.”

In a contentious court hearing Monday, Boasberg scolded the DOJ for not turning the planes carrying the alleged gang members around despite being ordered to do so during a virtual hearing Saturday.

The DOJ refused to share much information, citing national security reasons, and said no planes departed after the written order was filed. The judge said his verbal order should have been enough to ground the planes.

“I’m just asking how you think my equitable powers do not attach to a plane that has departed the U.S., even if it’s in international airspace,” Boasberg said.

The Trump team has described the Tren de Aragua gang as an invading force conducting irregular warfare, but the American Civil Liberties Union which filed a lawsuit Saturday has raised concerns that some of those deported might not actually be gang members.

“At this point, it seems like the administration is simply walking into court and telling a federal court they can’t look at the evidence, they can’t stop what they’re doing,” said Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s immigrants’ rights project.

“We see constant public statements from administration officials criticizing federal judges, saying they don’t have authority,” Gelernt said. “I think we’re on dangerous ground here in the United States.”

According to a social media post from Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, the country has agreed to hold 238 Venezuelans in its “terrorism confinement center.” They are scheduled to stay for at least one year under an agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador worth $6 million, according to the Associated Press.

The president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, has slammed Trump’s actions, saying the Venezuelans deported to El Salvador were denied due process and that the country will do everything it can to have them returned home.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet's unlikely pairing is illustrated

Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet’s Unexpected Connection Explored

Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet’s relationship took the world by surprise when…
Fashion student, 23, killed during Iran anti-regime protests

Tragic Loss: 23-Year-Old Fashion Student’s Life Cut Short Amid Iran’s Anti-Regime Protests

A 23-year-old fashion student, who aspired to move to Milan, was tragically…
Cruise hit by brutal outbreak of 'rib-cracking' stomach virus

Shocking Stomach Virus Outbreak Rocks Luxury Cruise: What You Need to Know

Passengers aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship have been struck by…
Bill Maher is mocked by Wanda Sykes on stage at 2026 Golden Globes

Wanda Sykes Roasts Bill Maher at 2026 Golden Globes – A Night of Laughter and Controversy

Bill Maher, known for his role as the host of HBO’s Real…
Michael Kay calls out Pat McAfee's criticism of sports journalists

Michael Kay Responds to Pat McAfee’s Remarks on Sports Journalism

During his radio show, Michael Kay responded to Pat McAfee’s recent remarks…
Cruel twist in deaths of doctor wife and twins at Arkansas mansion

Tragic Turn of Events: Doctor’s Wife and Twins Found Dead in Arkansas Mansion

At the funeral of Charity Beallis on December 29, her adult son…
Iran’s ‘distinctive’ drone deployment sees death toll soar amid violent protests

Iran’s Drone Strategy Escalates Violence: Death Toll Rises Amid Intensified Protests

Iran’s stringent measures against widespread protests intensified on Sunday, with emerging reports…
Anti-ICE agitators swarm vehicle of conservative influencer Nick Sortor

Protesters Surround Conservative Influencer Nick Sortor’s Vehicle in Anti-ICE Demonstration

In Minnesota on Sunday, conservative influencer Nick Sortor found himself at the…