Trump administration deportation controversy
The Trump administration deportation controversy has proceeded with the deportation of hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members, despite a federal judge’s order to halt the process, according to The New York Post.
On March 14, 2025, President Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a rarely used law last implemented during World War II, to expedite the deportation of individuals deemed national security threats. The administration focused on members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), labeling them as a “predatory incursion” that warranted imediate removal from the United States.
This aggressive stance follows previous crackdowns on criminal organizations, with Trump branding TdA members as “terrorist aliens” who posed an imminent threat to public safety.
Federal Judge Issues Emergency Injunction
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other civil rights groups swiftly responded, filing lawsuits to challenge the administration’s reliance on the Alien Enemies Act for mass deportations. The North Carolina news Their argument centered on due process violations, as many of the deportees lacked individual hearings or asylum assessments.
Recently, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued a 14-day temporary restraining order (TRO) to halt deportations, emphasizing the need for judicial oversight before such drastic measures could proceed.
Trump Administration Defies Court Order
Despite the injunction, the administration continued with the deportations, asserting that the court order came after the flights had left U.S. airspace, making the ruling inapplicable. A senior White House official defended the decision, stating:
“The administration did not ‘refuse to comply’ with a court order. The order, which had no lawful basis, was issued after terrorist TdA aliens had already been removed from U.S. territory.”
The legal battle intensified as critics accused the administration of contempt of court and violating constitutional checks on executive power.
International Coordination with El Salvador
To facilitate the deportations, the U.S. coordinated with El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele agreed to accept the individuals in a security agreement brokered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Upon arrival, 238 alleged TdA members and 23 MS-13 members were transferred to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT)—a high-security facility designed for the region’s most dangerous criminals.
#US #deports more than 200 alleged #Venezuelan #gang members to #ElSalvador despite court order 🇺🇸 https://t.co/N8OIxYPWs7 pic.twitter.com/S0gjk0DlS6
— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) March 17, 2025
Bukele confirmed the operation, stating:
“El Salvador remains committed to strengthening regional security and ensuring these individuals do not pose further threats.”
Despite the backlash, the White House maintains that Trump’s actions are within his constitutional powers, particularly concerning national security.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced this stance, asserting:
“The President has full authority under the Alien Enemies Act to act decisively against foreign threats. The administration’s priority is ensuring American safety, not satisfying activist judges.”
