A federal judge has criticized the Trump administration for its handling of deportation flights, accusing officials of violating his instructions and ignoring his demands for information. The judge, James E. Boasberg, wrote a three-page order expressing frustration with the administration’s refusal to provide basic details about the flights.
The controversy centers on two flights carrying Venezuelan immigrants who were allowed to continue on to El Salvador despite the judge’s instruction to return them to the US. The Justice Department had repeatedly stonewalled the judge’s attempts to get information about the timing of the flights, leading him to accuse officials of evading their obligations.
Judge Boasberg has been trying to get the administration to reveal details about the flights, including the time they departed and landed. However, his efforts have been met with resistance, and he has issued a series of ultimatums to the administration.
The case has become a flashpoint over the administration’s attempts to expand presidential powers and challenge judges’ authority. The Justice Department is also seeking to reverse the judge’s initial order pausing the deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act.
Critics have accused President Trump of attempting to undermine the independence of the judiciary, while Chief Justice John Roberts has defended the appeals process as the proper way to handle unfavorable rulings. The administration’s actions have raised concerns about a constitutional crisis and the potential for financial penalties or even jailing of officials if found in contempt.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/us/politics/trump-deportation-venezuela-tren-de-aragua.html