The Trump administration ignored a judge’s order to turn around deportation flights carrying Venezuelan gang members, arguing national security as the reason. Judge Boasberg imposed a temporary restraining order against deportations, citing potential harm. The administration claims the order was inapplicable once the flights exited U.S. airspace and filed a stay request contesting the judge’s authority, prompting ongoing legal disputes.

The Trump administration reportedly disregarded a judge’s order directing the return of deportation flights carrying hundreds of individuals connected to alleged Venezuelan gang activity. This decision was described as necessary for “national security” as per information obtained from various sources. Chief Judge James Boasberg from the Washington, D.C., District Court had issued a verbal directive during a recent hearing to ensure any departing planes with these individuals return immediately to the United States.

Judge Boasberg emphasized the potential irreparable harm that could arise from the deportations, thus imposing a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the removal of non-citizens affected by the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) proclamation, effective for a period of 14 days. During this interval, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was instructed to maintain custody of the non-citizens involved. However, officials in the Trump administration argued that since the flights were already over international waters, the judge’s order lacked applicability.

Amid the hearings, the two planes departed, prompting administration officials to assert that landing was essential due to “operational” and “national security” factors, as noted by sources. The administration’s goal appeared to be to move the flights outside U.S. jurisdiction prior to any judicial rulings.

On the following day, the Trump administration filed a request with the D.C. Circuit Court seeking a suspension of Judge Boasberg’s ruling. Government lawyers claimed that the judge overstepped his authority in issuing the TRO, which they characterized as “unprecedented,” emphasizing the necessity of swift executive action against individuals deemed threats to national security, such as members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

President Trump had previously signed a proclamation on Saturday categorizing the Tren de Aragua gang’s actions as “irregular warfare” against the United States and directed their deportation under the AEA of 1798. Furthermore, the administration contended that the President’s invocation of the AEA was beyond judicial oversight and claimed that the TRO could permit district courts to unnecessarily hinder urgent national security measures.

In summary, the Trump administration’s refusal to comply with the judge’s ruling regarding the deportation flights has sparked significant legal and ethical controversy. The administration justifies its actions on grounds of national security while facing judicial challenges questioning its authority and the implications of the deportations. This decision continues to unfold as the legal battle progresses through the courts, raising critical issues about executive power and immigration enforcement.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com

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