A federal judge questioned Trump administration lawyers Friday over the deportation of Venezuelan nationals despite a court order that blocked the move.
During a motion hearing, U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg asked Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign why the Trump administration did not comply with an emergency court order that temporarily blocked its use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. At least 261 migrants were put on flights and deported from the U.S. to El Salvador on Saturday, including more than 100 Venezuelan nationals and some alleged members of the gang Tren de Aragua.
"Why was this proclamation signed in the dark on Friday, early Saturday morning, and then these people rushed onto the planes?" Boasberg asked. "To me, the only reason to do that is if you know the problem, and you want to get them out of the country before a suit is filed."
Boasberg has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily halt any planned removals of Venezuelan migrants subject to the Alien Enemies Act. He also issued a bench ruling Saturday ordering the immediate return of any planes deporting Venezuelan nationals targeted for deportation.
Trump administration officials have been ordered by Judge Boasberg to explain why they did not comply with his order that said deportation flights had to return and whether or not they knowingly defied his ruling. A deadline has been set for Tuesday.
President Trump said the dispute could reach the the Supreme Court.