Justice Department Challenges Judge’s Demand for Deportation Flight Details

The Justice Department is resisting a federal judge’s demand for details on deportation flights to El Salvador, citing encroachments on executive power. In a conflict stemming from President Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act regarding Venezuelan gang members, Judge Boasberg requires clarification on whether the administration complied with his order to halt deportations. The case underscores tensions between the judiciary and executive branches over immigration policy.

In a significant legal confrontation, the Justice Department is resisting a federal judge’s directive for more information regarding deportation flights to El Salvador. This ongoing dispute showcases tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary over executive authority and immigration enforcement. The judge’s demand includes inquiries about flight details and deportation statistics under Trump’s administration, which the Justice Department argues encroaches upon executive powers related to national security and foreign policy.

U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg, appointed by former President Barack Obama, expressed concern that the Trump administration may not have adhered to his order to halt deportation flights under a wartime declaration. He required the Trump administration to respond by a specified deadline, emphasizing the need to clarify whether they disregarded his previous directive to cease deportations to El Salvador’s notorious prison, which has agreed to receive these individuals.

The Justice Department’s recent court filings assert that the judge’s inquiries represent an overreach into executive powers, arguing that both judicial and executive branches maintain equal authority. They have indicated a possible invocation of the “state secrets privilege” to withhold sensitive information requested by the court, claiming it would compromise national security.

Judge Boasberg issued a follow-up order mandating the Trump administration to either comply with his request or substantiate claims of harm to state secrets. He challenged the administration’s assertions and sought clarification on whether their cooperation could indeed jeopardize sensitive information, given that several details about the flights had already been publicly disclosed.

The administration’s legal stance stems from President Trump invoking the Alien Enemies Act to address what he describes as an invasion by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Despite a judge’s ruling prohibiting deportations under this act, the Trump administration insists that judicial authority does not extend to dictating how the executive branch responds to perceived invasions or national security threats. Following Judge Boasberg’s order, El Salvador’s president noted the arrival of deportees in his country, undermining the urgency expressed by the court.

The legal confrontation between the Justice Department and U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg illustrates a critical struggle over executive authority concerning immigration policy and national security. As the Trump administration grapples with judicial oversight, the need for clarity on the legality and procedures surrounding deportation flights remains pressing. This ongoing case highlights the complexities of balancing governmental powers and protecting individual rights in immigration enforcement.

Original Source: apnews.com