Justice Department defies court order on deported Venezuelan migrants

The Trump administration has refused to comply with a federal court order requiring due process for 252 Venezuelan migrants deported to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, a decision made under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. This stance sets up a conflict with U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who had previously ordered the government to either bring the migrants back for in-person hearings or facilitate process abroad. The administration argues that returning the migrants is legally impossible and poses national security concerns, particularly due to strained diplomatic relations following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. This legal battle underscores the tension between the executive branch’s immigration authority and judicial oversight, with the administration invoking national security to justify its actions.