Washington, D.C. — In a tense federal courtroom showdown, an Obama-appointed judge launched a stunning rebuke of President Trump’s administration, accusing it of potentially defying a court order while trying to deport dangerous Venezuelan nationals tied to violent criminal gangs.
The case revolves around the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act — a wartime law dating back to 1798 — to swiftly deport illegal aliens with alleged ties to Tren de Aragua, a brutal South American gang responsible for kidnapping, drug trafficking, and terrorism across the Western Hemisphere.
👨⚖️ Obama-Appointed Judge Pushes Back Against Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
Judge James Boasberg, who has repeatedly clashed with Trump in the past, questioned whether the administration acted “in bad faith” after at least three deportation flights reportedly left U.S. soil following his temporary injunction.
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign insisted the government followed the law. But Boasberg wasn’t buying it.
“It seems to me the government acted in bad faith that day,” the judge said.
More than 260 migrants, including over 100 Venezuelan nationals, were deported March 15 — the same day the court order was issued. Boasberg suggested the Trump team may have moved “too quickly” to get planes off the ground before the order could fully take effect.
✈️ Deportation Flights Targeted Violent Foreign Criminals
At the center of the controversy: Whether national security operations carried out by DHS and the State Department knowingly bypassed the judge’s ruling.
The deportations were part of Trump’s broader effort to remove foreign nationals from countries deemed hostile to the United States — a power granted to the President during times of war or national emergency.
According to Ensign, the flight data was likely not classified — a claim that surprised Boasberg, who demanded to know why it hadn’t been shared with the court under seal.
“Pretty sketchy,” the judge muttered aloud.
🧷 Judge Demands Names — Trump Officials Under Pressure
Boasberg pressed Ensign on who in the administration knew about the flights, demanding names, titles, and agencies involved. Ensign provided a list of Trump officials from DHS and State, which the judge personally wrote down — spelling and all.
Boasberg hinted that if the administration deliberately ignored his order, contempt charges could be on the table.
He’s expected to issue a ruling as early as next week.
⚖️ Judicial Overreach? Trump Supporters Sound the Alarm
Trump’s legal team has appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, citing urgent national security concerns. Many conservatives are calling Boasberg’s actions a blatant example of judicial activism — the kind of overreach President Trump has warned about for years.
“The President has a duty to protect American citizens,” one former DHS official said. “We’re talking about foreign gang members. This isn’t controversial — it’s common sense.”
🇺🇸 What’s at Stake: National Security vs. Judicial Activism
This isn’t just a courtroom dispute — it’s a high-stakes battle over who controls U.S. borders. President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to target foreign threats. Now, his authority is under fire from a judge many see as openly hostile to his policies.
Boasberg has ordered both sides to return next week for further arguments.
In the meantime, the safety of American citizens — and the future of wartime immigration law — hang in the balance.