A federal judge sharply rebuked the Trump administration for proceeding with the deportation of Venezuelan gang suspects despite his explicit order to halt the flights. The judge, calling the government’s actions “intemperate and disrespectful,” warned that such defiance of judicial authority set a dangerous precedent.
Judge James Boasberg, an Obama-appointed federal judge with over 14 years on the bench, expressed shock and frustration over the administration’s decision to deport more than 200 Venezuelans last weekend. The individuals were reportedly sent to a high-security facility in El Salvador known for housing terrorists and violent criminals, according to The Washington Times. The flights commenced immediately after President Trump signed a proclamation allowing members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang to be expelled under the Alien Enemies Act.
Judge Boasberg Questions the Speed of Deportations
Judge Boasberg suggested that the rapid execution of the deportation orders indicated a deliberate attempt to circumvent legal oversight.
“It seems to be the only reason to do that is if you know it’s a problem and you want to get them out of the country,” Boasberg stated in court, according to The Washington Times.
The case has now escalated into a high-stakes constitutional battle between the executive and judicial branches. In response to Boasberg’s ruling, President Trump called for his impeachment, branding him “a radical left lunatic.”
Judge Accuses Administration of “Undermining Authority”
During court proceedings, Judge Boasberg pressed Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign, demanding to know whether he had informed the relevant authorities that the deportation flights were in direct violation of a court order.
“Did you tell them that it was an order from me to turn the planes around, or in whatever fashion you could, to bring people back to the United States?” Boasberg asked, according to The Washington Times.
Ensign acknowledged that he understood the judge’s concerns but declined to disclose the specifics of his discussions with top government officials, citing attorney-client privilege.
Boasberg Defends His Ruling: “Individuals Must Have a Chance”
The judge emphasized that his ruling was not an attack on the president’s authority over foreign affairs and national security, but rather an effort to ensure due process. He made it clear that even in cases involving suspected terrorists, individuals must have the opportunity to challenge their deportation under U.S. law.
“Individuals must have a chance to show that they are indeed members of a class that the [Alien Enemies Act] defines. My job is to find out where the balance lies,” Boasberg stated.
He further clarified that his ruling did not prevent deportations altogether, acknowledging that the administration could still remove individuals under standard immigration laws. Instead, his decision specifically targeted the use of the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century law invoked by Trump to fast-track removals.
Trump Stands Firm: “These Are Tough Criminals”
President Trump, however, remains adamant that the deportations must continue. Speaking before the latest court hearing, he dismissed Boasberg’s concerns, saying the judge had “no idea what’s going on.”
“These are tough criminals, and we have to get them out,” Trump stated.
The Justice Department (DOJ) has since filed an appeal, arguing that Boasberg has overstepped his authority by interfering with the president’s immigration enforcement powers.
DOJ Seeks to Remove Judge from Case
The Justice Department has also taken its legal battle one step further, formally requesting that an appeals court remove Judge Boasberg from the case. DOJ officials argue that Boasberg has shown clear bias against Trump’s administration, interfering in immigration policy and national security matters.
Additionally, the DOJ is challenging U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, accusing her of displaying hostility toward Trump in a separate case. Howell previously blocked Trump’s efforts to penalize a Democrat-linked law firm that played a role in promoting the controversial Steele dossier.
Justice Department Accuses Judges of Bias
Deputy Associate Attorney General Richard Lawson has strongly criticized Judge Howell, alleging that she has a history of anti-Trump bias. He pointed to remarks Howell made in 2023, suggesting Trump could lead the country toward authoritarianism.
The DOJ also cited Howell’s previous rulings, including a controversial decision where she labeled Trump a potential flight risk in a criminal case.
“Defendants deserve a court proceeding free from concerns about impartiality. In order to remove the possibility of any bias in these proceedings, defendants respectfully request that this court recuse itself,” Lawson stated in a formal court filing.
A Legal Showdown Looms
As the judicial battle escalates, the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies face growing scrutiny from the courts. While the DOJ defends its actions, arguing that the president has the authority to protect national security, judges like Boasberg and Howell insist that constitutional protections must be upheld—even for individuals accused of gang ties or terrorism.
The clash between Trump and the judiciary is far from over, with legal experts predicting further appeals and a potential Supreme Court showdown over the Alien Enemies Act and the limits of presidential power in immigration enforcement.