Exclusive: How the White House ignored a judge's order to turn back deportation flights
Last edited Sun Mar 16, 2025, 05:27 PM - Edit history (2)
Source: Axios
The Trump administration says it ignored a Saturday court order to turn around two planeloads of alleged Venezuelan gang members because the flights were over international waters and therefore the ruling didn't apply, two senior officials tell Axios.
Why it matters: The administration's decision to defy a federal judge's order is exceedingly rare and highly controversial.
"Court order defied. First of many as I've been warning and start of true constitutional crisis," national security attorney Mark S. Zaid, a Trump critic, wrote on X, adding that Trump could ultimately get impeached.
The White House welcomes that fight. "This is headed to the Supreme Court. And we're going to win," a senior White House official told Axios.
Read more: https://www.axios.com/2025/03/16/trump-white-house-defy-judge-deport-venezuelans
According to the article, the original intention wasn't to defy a court. It was to act so quickly that the planes were landed in El Salvador before a court had time to act.
But they did defy the judge's order and now they're claiming they could because the flight was over international waters.
About the Alien Enemies Act:
Since the act is not part of immigration law, it would allow the government to detain and deport people without court hearings or asylum interviews.
Its most infamous use came during World War II, when it was used help justify Japanese internment.
republianmushroom
(22,122 posts)Now what are you going to do judge ? Are they above the law, judge ?
sakabatou
(45,773 posts)WTF are the states supposed to do? Arrest federal officials/officers in charge of ops?
moonshinegnomie
(3,869 posts)ignore jurisdiction since the fascists seem to b eok with it. find some friendly official in another state if needed and have them arrest the federal officials. hold them in contempt in a local/state jail until the court orders are complied with. if nessecary dont disclose the location where they are being jailed.
extereme action requires exteme responce
Evolve Dammit
(21,499 posts)Bread and Circuses
(1,567 posts)He is emboldened by the passage of the continuing resolution and spending bill which showed him that hes a king and that republicans will not stop him and some others who are unnamed went along for the pony ride.
The red line is that #47 has defied a court order. As such, he has given the middle finger to the constitution, the courts and the congress.
Since Congress is now neutered, expect #47 and his project 2025 agenda to be increasing speed to destroy the federal government and our constitution. I expect that fascism will replace our republic and democracy by summer.
Well done, republicans.
moonshinegnomie
(3,869 posts)i dont see how we really avoid it at this point short of the military removing trump and his lackeys
NH Ethylene
(31,289 posts)And I find it hard to believe they will do it.
msongs
(73,084 posts)Buddyzbuddy
(2,130 posts)The SC needs another bite at the "immunity apple" now that they're seeing what there decision has wrought. At the very least, a year from now. Robert's and Barrett can make it a 5/4 vote. I know wishful thinking.
bluestarone
(21,180 posts)Intentionally broke laws? IF he knowingly broke a judges order, then THAT is an illegal act. NO?
Bayard
(28,581 posts)If the law doesn't apply in international waters, then trump orders should not apply in international waters. Lawyers?
bluestarone
(21,180 posts)Change laws because of borders? BULLSHIT on that. IMPEACH the bastard. (ye i know)
Buddyzbuddy
(2,130 posts)otherwise there would be no need for a response to justify the action. The result is a guilty conscience.
In otherwords, I ignored your order because I have the power to do so, but if I don't then I was safe because I touched base before you could tag me out.
moniss
(8,710 posts)US law no matter where it is. Once you are off the plane you are subject to the laws wherever you are and governed by treaties etc. By the goofy reasoning given by the idiots here any US citizen in or over International waters has no legal rights. In fact if you strictly applied their reasoning you are not even in possession of being designated a US citizen since citizenship is defined by US law and since they are saying US law does not apply or have any force over International waters then there is no basis in law for any citizenship designation.
2naSalit
(100,017 posts)In the back of my mind's eye, a J6 like event only at the WH, same people, only going after their abuser.