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The Trump administration’s deportation of alleged gang members has sparked intense debate, with former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany sharply criticizing media opposition to the policy. On Fox News’ Outnumbered, McEnany defended the deportation flights targeting members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, stating the administration operates on “firm footing” legally despite a federal judge’s order to halt removals.
– : The administration invoked the , a 1798 law allowing deportation during wartime, to bypass standard immigration courts. Officials claimed gang members’ social media posts and criminal records justified immediate removal.
– : DC District Chief Judge James Boasberg ordered planes to return mid-flight, but the White House argued the aircraft were already in international airspace, rendering the order unenforceable. Over 260 individuals were deported to El Salvador despite the ruling.
– : McEnany denounced what she called the “liberal media’s suicidal empathy,” questioning why outlets would oppose removing migrants accused of crimes like child sexual abuse and police assaults. The administration claims media outrage overlooks victims of gang violence.
The standoff reflects broader tensions between executive authority and judicial oversight, with Trump officials framing the deportations as necessary for national security while critics warn of constitutional overreach. Approximately 54 suspected gang members remain in U.S. detention, with ongoing court battles likely to reach higher courts.
