The Justice Department is contesting Judge Boasberg’s demand for details on deportation flights to El Salvador, asserting executive authority over judicial inquiry. Press Secretary Leavitt criticizes judicial interference as an obstacle to the Trump administration’s deportation policies, while the situation stems from an invocation of the Alien Enemies Act regarding gang members. The administration reports ongoing deportations amidst this legal challenge.
The Justice Department is currently in a legal conflict with U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg regarding deportation flights to El Salvador. The judge has demanded detailed information on these flights, citing potential violations of his prior orders. The Justice Department argues that such inquiries infringe upon executive authority, particularly pertaining to national security and foreign affairs.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt voiced concerns over judicial intervention, describing judges as “partisan activists” attempting to hinder administrative goals. She criticized rulings that have obstructed the Trump administration’s deportation policies, specifically referencing the deportations of individuals from the Tren de Aragua gang to an El Salvador prison.
The judicial order, stemming from a unique historical context involving the Alien Enemies Act, followed claims from Trump concerning an invasion by Venezuelan gang members. While the judge seeks to ensure compliance with orders, the Trump administration maintains that the executive branch holds the ultimate authority in assessing national invasions and implementing defense measures.
The Justice Department’s legal filings indicated that two deportation flights occurred before receiving the judge’s order, and a third flight, departing afterward, reportedly did not carry individuals under the disputed law. Press Secretary Leavitt stated that around 261 people were deported, including 137 linked to the law, which further inflates the stakes in this ongoing legal showdown.
This legal situation showcases the tension between judicial oversight and executive authority, particularly in national security matters. The Justice Department’s resistance signifies an ongoing conflict over deportation practices initiated by the Trump administration. The ramifications of Boasberg’s orders hinge not only on the legal standings but also on the broader implications for foreign policy and immigration enforcement, as highlighted by the deportation to a notorious prison in El Salvador.
Original Source: apnews.com
