Trump Administration Defies Court Order on Venezuelan Deportations

A federal judge's proceedings against the Trump administration intensified after officials declined to answer questions about the deportation of over 200 Venezuelans, raising alarms about executive defiance of the judiciary.

In a striking escalation against the federal judiciary, the Trump administration appears to be on the brink of openly defying a court order. This developed following a federal judge’s inquiry about possible violations linked to the deportation of more than 200 Venezuelan nationals over the weekend. The hearing, which took place yesterday in Washington, brought the ongoing tension between the judiciary and the executive branch to a head, raising concerns of a potential constitutional crisis.

During the session, Justice Department attorney Abhishek Kambli refrained from providing any substantive answers concerning the deportation flights to El Salvador, insisting that President Trump possesses broad authority to remove immigrants without due process under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798—a seldom-used law dating back to the late 18th century. In response, Judge James Boasberg instructed Kambli to formally certify by noon today—under seal if required—whether any deportations had occurred post-issuance of his order.

This legal confrontation exemplifies the mounting friction between federal courts, which have sought to limit Trump’s sweeping executive actions, and an administration that has displayed a pattern of resistance to complying with judicial directives. Indeed, Tom Homan, identified as Trump’s “border czar,” declared in an interview that the deportation efforts would persist irrespective of judicial feedback. “We’re not stopping,” Homan stated defiantly. “I don’t care what the judges think—I don’t care what the left thinks.”

As the administration’s stance becomes increasingly brazen, observers are left questioning the balance of power in the United States, highlighting pressing issues of due process and constitutional authority. The unfolding situation may serve as a critical pivot point in the ongoing debate over executive power and legal recourse in America.