Judge’s order and the administration’s response
On Saturday, U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg issued an order temporarily halting the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act. He later directed that any planes already in transit be turned around. However, the flights had already reached El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele confirmed their arrival. The White House insists it did not defy the judge, arguing that the order was issued after the deportees had left U.S. airspace and was therefore inapplicable.
Legal and political fallout
Civil rights organizations, including the ACLU and Democracy Forward, have accused the administration of disregarding the court order and demanded further clarification on flight schedules. Legal experts argue that U.S. jurisdiction extends beyond its borders and that the government should have complied with the ruling. Democratic senators have also condemned the administration’s actions, calling the use of the Alien Enemies Act an abuse of executive power.
Additional deportation sparks concern
The administration is also facing scrutiny for deporting Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Brown University professor, despite a judge’s order requiring advance notice. She was reportedly put on a flight to Paris in defiance of the court’s directive. The case has intensified concerns about the White House’s willingness to follow judicial rulings, with an upcoming hearing expected to address whether the administration acted unlawfully.
