The Trump administration reportedly chose to disregard a judge’s order to turn back two flights carrying hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members, sources told ABC News.
During a Saturday hearing, Chief Judge James Boasberg of the Washington, D.C., District Court issued a verbal directive instructing the government to return any aircraft still in the air. He emphasized that the administration must comply “immediately.”
However, officials determined that because the flights were already over international waters, the ruling did not apply. They cited “operational” and “national security” concerns as justification for allowing the planes to land.
The administration appears to have prioritized getting the flights airborne before the judge’s ruling. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later denied any defiance, stating that the order was issued only after the deportations had already occurred, making compliance unnecessary.
On Sunday, the Trump administration sought an emergency stay of the ruling, arguing that Boasberg lacked jurisdiction to impose the temporary restraining order (TRO). The Department of Justice contended that the president’s decision to deport alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 was beyond judicial review.
The D.C. Circuit Court has ordered attorneys challenging the deportations to file a response by Tuesday at 5 p.m.