Appeals Court Hears Trump Admin’s Argument Over Deportation Flights as Judge Questions Immigrant Identities
An appeals court convened today to review the Trump administration’s defense of its recent deportation flights, challenged by a federal district court judge in San Francisco. The hearing comes amid an unprecedented number of nationwide injunctions by federal district court judges in cities across the US.
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The case originates from deportation flights that departed over the weekend, transporting more than 200 individuals— alleged to be part of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua—to El Salvador. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg had issued a temporary restraining order on Saturday, March 15, prohibiting deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The order directed any airborne planes to return to the U.S., but the administration asserted the flights were beyond judicial reach by the time the written ruling took effect.
Defending the Deportations
During today’s appeals court session, administration lawyers defended the deportations, emphasizing the president’s authority over immigration and national security. They argued that federal agencies had thoroughly vetted the deportees, confirming their status as illegal immigrants and gang affiliates, thus justifying swift removal without individual hearings. In contrast, Judge Boasberg has maintained that the government must provide concrete evidence to support these claims, expressing doubts about the reliance on a wartime law without detailed justification.
Flight records indicate at least two planes left Texas during or shortly after Boasberg’s initial hearing, landing in El Salvador after his order was issued. A third flight departed later, carrying deportees removed under separate immigration laws, according to the government. Boasberg has requested detailed timelines and declarations from the Justice Department by noon Tuesday to determine compliance with his ruling—a demand the administration has resisted, calling it an overstep of judicial authority.
Border Czar Tom Homan has publicly reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the deportations, focusing on public safety threats. Meanwhile, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele acknowledged receiving the deportees, suggesting the court’s efforts came too late to intervene.
Legal observers anticipate the case could escalate to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the House Judiciary Committee today announced plans to meet next week to limit the overreach of federal judges across the US.
Thrivenews.co will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
