Justice Department Contests Judge’s Order on Deportation Flight Details
The Justice Department is resisting a federal judge’s demand for details on deportation flights to El Salvador. Judge James E. Boasberg ordered the administration to provide information about these flights, citing potential violations of his previous orders. Tensions escalate as President Trump invokes the Alien Enemies Act amid ongoing legal challenges.
The U.S. Justice Department is currently engaged in a legal battle regarding its deportation flights to El Salvador. This follows a federal judge’s order demanding more detailed information about these flights, which has been met with resistance from the department. The administration argues that such requests infringe on executive authority and disrupt national security operations.
The conflict stems from a previous court ruling that blocked deportations under an 18th-century law, with President Trump calling for the impeachments of judges perceived to be obstructing his policies. The U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg, appointed by former President Obama, is central to this case, having issued orders requiring the administration to disclose specific details about the deportation process.
Judge Boasberg has raised concerns that the Trump administration may have disregarded his orders to halt deportation flights. He requested details such as flight schedules and the number of deportees involved. The Justice Department, in its court filings, argues these inquiries encroach upon the Executive Branch’s prerogatives, potentially invoking the “state secrets privilege” to protect sensitive information from public scrutiny.
In response, Boasberg has given the Justice Department until Thursday noon EDT to comply with the order or claim a need to withhold information to protect state secrets. He criticized the administration’s view of his request as a mere fishing expedition, emphasizing its necessity to ascertain whether the government violated his prior ruling.
Complicating matters, President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act, which is rarely used, to justify deportations claiming an invasion by Venezuelan gang members. Boasberg ordered the administration not to deport individuals under this proclamation after hearing new developments about flights already en route.
Furthermore, Boasberg expressed urgency, instructing the administration to withdraw any flights currently airborne that included deportees. However, shortly after, the President of El Salvador confirmed the arrival of deportees in his country, indicating complications for the administration’s compliance with the court’s order.
In summary, the Justice Department is in conflict with a federal judge over transparency in deportation operations. The situation highlights tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary concerning national security and executive authority. With deadlines imposed for compliance and potential implications surrounding public safety and policy, this legal dispute is evolving rapidly. The implications of Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act and the resulting deportations add further complexity to this legal challenge.
Original Source: apnews.com
