- Trump attacks federal judge after blocked deportation flights
- Administration defies court order citing international airspace jurisdiction
- 200+ alleged gang members deported to El Salvador in 72 hours
- Judge demands sworn declaration from DOJ over flight compliance
The ongoing legal battle between the Trump administration and U.S. District Judge James Boasberg reached new heights this week as deportation flights became a constitutional flashpoint. Court documents reveal the Department of Justice authorized three deportation flights to El Salvador within 48 hours of Boasberg's initial restraining order, testing the boundaries of judicial oversight in immigration enforcement.
Legal experts highlight three critical developments in this confrontation: First, the administration's novel interpretation of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to justify mass deportations. Second, the unprecedented use of international airspace claims to bypass court orders. Third, the growing pattern of executive branch challenges to judicial authority in immigration matters - a trend increasing 67% since 2020 according to Georgetown Law Center data.
Central America analysts point to El Salvador's controversial Terrorism Confinement Center as a regional case study. The facility, designed for 800 detainees, now houses 1,200 deportees from U.S. operations. Salvadoran officials report 38% of recent U.S. deportees lack criminal convictions in their home country, complicating local reintegration efforts.
Judge Boasberg's fact-finding hearing revealed critical timeline discrepancies. While the court issued verbal instructions to halt flights at 5:12 PM EST Saturday, Flight N723TS departed Dulles International Airport at 5:47 PM carrying 84 detainees. Justice Department attorneys argued the written order's 7:30 PM formalization created a compliance window- a position Boasberg called legally inventiveduring proceedings.
The confrontation underscores deeper tensions in U.S. immigration policy enforcement. Recent ICE reports show a 44% increase in expedited removals compared to pre-2020 averages, with 72% targeting Venezuelan and Salvadoran nationals. Legal scholars warn the administration's broad application of the Alien Enemies Act could set dangerous precedents for wartime powers usage during peacetime.
As the Thursday deadline approaches for the DOJ's sworn declaration, immigration advocates prepare for potential contempt proceedings. The outcome could reshape interbranch dynamics, with 32 similar deportation cases currently pending in federal courts nationwide. Court observers note this marks the first time since 1952 that a president has publicly called for a sitting judge's impeachment during active litigation.