In a controversial move, the Trump administration opted to disregard a federal court order, allowing two flights carrying numerous alleged Venezuelan gang members to proceed despite explicit instructions to turn back.

The Court’s Directive

U.S. District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg of Washington, D.C., had issued a clear mandate during a court hearing, instructing that any aircraft transporting these individuals should return to the United States if it was still airborne. Judge Boasberg emphasized the immediate enforcement of this order, stating, “You shall inform your clients of this immediately; any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States.”

Rationale Behind the Administration’s Decision

Despite the judge’s order, top administration officials determined that the flights could continue because they had already entered international airspace, claiming that the directive did not apply. Furthermore, sources indicated that “operational” and “national security” reasons necessitated the flights’ continuation, asserting that they had to reach their destination without delay.

Legal Background

Judge Boasberg’s order was part of a temporary restraining order (TRO) aimed at preventing the deportation of non-citizens under the Alien Enemies Act (AEA), citing potential irreparable harm to those facing removal. The ruling placed a 14-day hold on such deportations while ongoing legal proceedings evaluated the merits of the case.

The administration quickly sought relief from this ruling, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction over executive actions related to foreign affairs. They proclaimed the need to act swiftly against elements viewed as threats to national security, notably, members of the Tren de Aragua gang, which Trump labeled as engaging in “irregular warfare” against the U.S.

Official Statements

Amidst criticisms, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration had not refused to comply with the court’s order, asserting that the gang members had already been physically removed from U.S. territory by the time the order was issued. “The written order and the administration’s actions do not conflict,” she claimed, reiterating the executive branch’s authority in matters of national security.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

The conflict is set to unfold as the Trump administration requested a stay on Boasberg’s TRO from the D.C. Circuit Court. Legal representatives have argued this unprecedented court involvement posed a threat to the executive branch’s ability to enforce immigration laws effectively.