Trump Orders Mass Deportation of Venezuelan Gang Members, Defying Federal Judge
A major constitutional crisis is unfolding as President Trump has defied a federal court order by deporting over 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members, despite an explicit judicial halt on the action.
Trump faces judge during deportation case
The controversy centers on Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport Venezuelan nationals suspected of belonging to the Tren de Aragua gang. D.C. District Judge James Boasberg had issued an emergency restraining order on March 15, 2025, blocking the administration from using this act, citing concerns over its wartime-only application.
Despite the court order, the administration proceeded with deporting over 200 individuals to El Salvador within 24 hours of the ruling. This action has prompted legal experts to warn of a potential constitutional crisis regarding separation of powers.
In response, Congressman Brandon Gill (R-TX) has initiated impeachment proceedings against Judge Boasberg, characterizing the ruling as an obstruction of national security. The move has gained support from prominent figures, including Elon Musk, who publicly endorsed the impeachment effort on social media.
The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 traditionally permits presidential authority to detain, deport, or restrict foreign nationals from hostile nations during wartime. Trump's unprecedented application of this act during peacetime has raised significant constitutional questions.
El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele confirmed the arrival of 238 deportees, stating they would be held in the country's Terrorism Confinement Center for a renewable one-year term.
The situation continues to develop with:
- Anticipated court battles over presidential authority limits
- Republican support for restricting judicial oversight of immigration enforcement
- Immigration advocacy groups preparing legal challenges over due process violations
This confrontation represents one of the most significant clashes between executive and judicial powers in recent U.S. history, with far-reaching implications for constitutional governance and immigration policy.
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