In a dramatic clash between the executive and judiciary, a federal judge ordered the U.S. government to halt flights deporting Venezuelan migrants, just hours after Donald Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to remove alleged gang members.
Judicial Block, But Flights Continue
Judge James Boasberg, chief of the D.C. District Court, initially blocked the deportation of five Venezuelans, later extending the order to all deportees, citing concerns about persecution in their homeland. Despite this, reports suggest that deportations continued, with planes already in the air not turned around.
Officials Defend Deportations
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on X that the U.S. had successfully deported over 250 alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a notorious criminal network, to El Salvador, which agreed to detain them at a “fair price.” He also stated that top MS-13 gang leaders were sent back to El Salvador to face justice.
Harsh Reactions From Trump Allies
Attorney General Pam Bondi accused the judge of siding with terrorists, while Elon Musk called for the impeachment of judges who he claims are blocking the president’s decisions. The White House plans to appeal the ruling, amid growing frustration over legal obstacles to Trump’s immigration policies.
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