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Federal Judge James Boasberg is facing fierce criticism from conservatives after blocking President Trump’s deportation flights targeting alleged Venezuelan gang members. The judge’s actions have sparked a heated battle over constitutional authority, with Republicans accusing him of overstepping his role to sabotage border security efforts.
President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act – a 1798 wartime law – to deport over 200 suspected Tren de Aragua gang members to El Salvador. The administration argues these individuals pose a severe threat to national security, even if some lack U.S. criminal records. Despite Boasberg’s March 15 order halting the flights, two planes continued to El Salvador, leading to accusations the White House ignored judicial authority.
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) blasted Boasberg as an “activist judge” abusing his power, telling Fox News the court is “far exceeding” its jurisdiction. House Republicans are rallying behind legislation to strip district judges of power to issue nationwide injunctions, calling such rulings partisan overreach. Over 20 GOP lawmakers support impeaching Boasberg, though leadership prefers reforming the courts instead.
The Justice Department insists it complied with the law, arguing Boasberg’s verbal order lacked legal force and the flights were already in international airspace. Officials say rerouting the planes would’ve endangered military personnel and wasted taxpayer funds. They’ve refused Boasberg’s demands for flight details, citing national security risks.
Conservative legal experts warn this standoff threatens the separation of powers. They accuse Boasberg of inserting courts into matters of presidential authority during a border crisis. The administration has asked the Supreme Court to intervene, calling the Tren de Aragua a “hybrid criminal state” invading America.
Critics highlight that deportations under standard immigration law continue uninterrupted. They argue Boasberg’s order only blocks use of the Alien Enemies Act – a narrow ruling the administration is respecting. The White House maintains it will keep removing dangerous criminals by any legal means necessary.
As tensions escalate, Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare defense of judicial independence against impeachment threats. Meanwhile, the House plans votes this week to rein in “rogue judges” through procedural reforms rather than removals. The outcome could reshape how courts interact with future administrations on national security matters.
