Defying Orders: Trump admin Ddeports 200 Venezuelans amid legal battle
The Trump administration deported over 200 Venezuelans to a prison in El Salvador, despite a federal judge’s order to return them. Reuters reported the deportations, sparking legal and political controversy.
The White House denied defying the court order. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed the ruling came after the migrants had already left U.S. soil. She argued that federal courts lacked authority over the president’s power under the Alien Enemies Act and foreign affairs.
A Washington, D.C., federal judge had blocked Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act. This 18th-century law had previously been used to detain Japanese Americans during World War II. Trump invoked it to rapidly deport alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang linked to violent crimes.
On Saturday, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued a 14-day block on the deportations. He ruled the law applied only to acts “commensurate to war” by another country. Boasberg ordered any flights carrying deported migrants to return to the U.S. His written notice reached the case docket at 7:25 p.m. ET.
Despite the order, the Venezuelans landed in El Salvador. The Salvadoran government released footage of men being escorted off a plane under heavy security. President Nayib Bukele mocked the situation on social media, writing, “Oopsie… Too late.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reposted Bukele’s statement and thanked him for his “assistance and friendship.”
Trump defended the deportations on Truth Social. He blamed former President Joe Biden and Democrats for allowing Venezuelan gang members into the U.S. He praised Bukele’s cooperation, calling it essential in handling the crisis.
In a Sunday court filing, the Trump administration admitted that “some” Venezuelans had been removed before the judge’s order. Officials provided no further details on numbers or circumstances.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenged Trump’s use of the act. Lead attorney Lee Gelernt urged the administration to ensure compliance with the court order. He stated that if the U.S. government had handed migrants over to a foreign nation after the ruling, it should work to bring them back.
Bukele announced that the 238 men would be held at the Terrorism Confinement Center, a mega-prison housing up to 40,000 inmates. Their detention would last at least one year, with possible extensions.
This case highlights ongoing tensions over immigration policies and executive power. Trump’s actions raise questions about judicial authority, diplomatic relations, and the treatment of migrants. Legal battles will likely continue as advocacy groups push for compliance with the court order.
