In a courtroom showdown that has captured global attention, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg demanded detailed information on deportation flights that took off this past weekend. These flights, carried out under the invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, have stirred a debate over the limits of executive power and judicial oversight.
The judge ordered the Justice Department to provide a full timeline of the flights—detailing when they took off, when they left U.S. airspace, when they landed in El Salvador, and the number of individuals removed solely under the 18th-century law. The request comes after Justice Department lawyers noted that the deportation flights departed before the judge's formal written order was issued, arguing that earlier spoken orders were not enforceable.
The controversy quickly escalated when President Trump criticized the judge on social media, calling for his impeachment and describing him as a "troublemaker and agitator." U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts swiftly rebuffed these calls, emphasizing that impeachment is not an acceptable response to judicial decisions and reaffirming the importance of standard appellate review processes.
Adding further complexity, a third flight reportedly involved deportees subject to separate removal orders, a detail highlighted by an ICE official. Meanwhile, top Venezuelan lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez condemned the deportations, labeling them as a "crime against humanity," while Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that additional sanctions on Venezuela could follow if deported individuals are not accepted without further delay.
This unfolding drama underscores broader concerns about the balance of power in U.S. governance. It also raises questions about how historical laws are applied in modern contexts and what measures are necessary to ensure accountability and transparency in matters of national security and immigration.
Reference(s):
U.S. judge demands flight details as Trump adm. defends deportations
cgtn.com
