Despite the ban, Donald Trump defied the judge's order and deported hundreds of immigrants

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): President Donald Trump’s administration has deported hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador, a decision made despite a federal judge’s order temporarily halting deportations under the Foreign Enemies Act. In defense of the action, Trump administration officials argued that the planes carrying the deportees had already taken off by the time the court issued its ruling. According to reports, U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg issued a temporary injunction on Saturday, blocking deportations. However, attorneys for the Trump administration informed the judge that two planes—one heading to El Salvador and another to Honduras—had already departed. After hearing this, the judge verbally instructed that the individuals be brought back. Yet, now that the planes have landed in El Salvador and Honduras, it is evident that the administration did not comply with the judge’s verbal order.

White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt responded to allegations that the administration violated the court order, asserting that the administration did not refuse to follow the ruling. She contended, however, that the court’s order lacked legal grounds, as the planes had already left when the decision was made. Legal experts have differing views on the Trump administration’s actions. Professor Steve Vladeck from Georgetown University Law Center explained that although the judge’s order did not explicitly mention returning the planes, he had verbally instructed it. Vladeck noted that while the administration could legally justify its actions, it clearly violated the intent of the judge’s decision.

Vladeck further commented that, in the wake of this incident, courts will likely issue more precise orders in the future and will carefully consider whether to grant any leniency to the government.