The Trump administration has deported hundreds of migrants to El Salvador despite a federal judge’s order halting such actions, invoking the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act. Judge Boasberg ruled against the deportations but flights were already in progress. The ACLU has raised concerns regarding potential abuses of legal authority and the treatment of detainees, prompting ongoing legal scrutiny.
The Trump administration has conducted the deportation of hundreds of migrants to El Salvador despite a federal court’s temporary injunction against such actions. The deportations were initiated after President Trump’s announcement of an 18th-century wartime measure aimed at Venezuelan gang members. However, U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg ruled on Saturday evening to halt the removals; flights with migrants were already en route at the time of this ruling.
Judge Boasberg’s order coincided with migration flights already in the air, specifically one to El Salvador and another to Honduras. Although he verbally instructed that the planes should return, this instruction was not included in his written directive. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who cooperated with the U.S. regarding the deportations, acknowledged the situation via social media, expressing that the efforts were already underway when the ruling was announced.
Despite the federal judge’s order, members of the Trump administration continued to defend the deportations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that over 250 alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang were sent to El Salvador, which Bukele’s government agreed to house in exchange for financial compensation. The Alien Enemies Act, invoked to facilitate these deportations, has historically not been used outside of congressionally sanctioned military conflicts.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which instigated the legal action resulting in the restraining order, expressed concern over potential violations of the court’s instructions by the government. The ACLU’s lead attorney, Lee Gelernt, emphasized the need to confirm that the migrants were not deported in defiance of the ruling.
Venezuela’s government condemned the application of the Alien Enemies Act, equating it to historical atrocities. The fledgling gang, Tren de Aragua, began in Venezuela and has contributed to a substantial migration crisis which has seen millions fleeing the country in search of better living conditions.
The deportations included individuals who had not been confirmed as gang members nor associated with criminal activities in the U.S. Additional reports highlighted the stringent measures taken by the Salvadoran government upon the migrants’ arrival, showcasing a militarized response in their treatment upon landing.
The administration argued that the proclamation allowing for the use of the Alien Enemies Act was signed just before the deportations commenced. Immigration lawyers filed lawsuits following the announcement, aiming to protect Venezuelan citizens from potential wrongful deportations falsely labeling them as gang affiliates.
Judge Boasberg’s ruling provides a temporary reprieve for the migrants, with a scheduled hearing to further discuss the implications of the ongoing case. His response reflects the consideration for constitutional protections for those facing deportation under potentially invalid assertions of gang affiliation.
In summary, the recent deportation of hundreds of migrants by the Trump administration, carried out in defiance of a federal court’s order, highlights significant legal and humanitarian concerns. The invocation of the Alien Enemies Act raises questions about the rights of individuals under U.S. law, as this situation could set a concerning precedent for future immigration actions. The ACLU’s involvement underscores the need for oversight in the enforcement of immigration law, particularly regarding allegations of gang membership. Ultimately, Judge Boasberg’s temporary restraining order provides critical protection to vulnerable populations pending further legal examination.
Original Source: apnews.com
