The Trump Administration's Department of Justice and U.S. District Judge James Boasberg reached a peak of legal conflict regarding deportation flights aimed at Venezuelan immigrants in March 2025. The administration's activation of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act produced rising conflicts which have raised substantial legal dilemmas along with constitutional issues.
Background: Invocation of the Alien Enemies Act
The Trump Administration led 260 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador on March 16, 2025 by declaring their membership with the Tren de Aragua gang. The administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act from 1798 to conduct the deportation operation because this historical law gives presidential power to detain and deport enemy nationals. The official rationale for these actions involved describing the migrants as potential security risks for the country.
Judicial Intervention: Judge Boasberg's Orders
Judge James Boasberg released an urgent court order which certified Venezuelan migrants as protected while stopping their deportation during flights. The commander told aircraft operators to return all planes currently flying towards the United States. The controversial flights continued their journey to El Salvador after the issued court order without due consideration for judicial authority.
Administration's Response and Legal Justifications
The Trump Administration stood behind its decision because it claimed the whereabouts of the planes across international borders exempted them from U.S. authority at that time. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt the order issued by Boasberg lacked legal standing because presidential powers derived from the Alien Enemies Act remained extensive.