We have breaking news right now. Axios is reporting that the Trump administration has admitted to ignoring a federal court order regarding the deportation of Tren de Aragua gang members under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
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According to Axios, the Trump Administration had internal discussions concerning the order and whether to turn the planes around, but that because the planes were in international airspace, they decided against it, essentially disregarding a lawful court order.
This is stunning. Here’s the backstory and here’s what could happen next:
Donald Trump Signs The Alien Enemies Act Proclamation
On Friday, Donald Trump signed a proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798—a law originally designed to expel foreign nationals from enemy nations during wartime or invasion. The decision to dust off this centuries-old statute was seen by many as a legal maneuver to bypass existing immigration protocols, allowing the federal government to swiftly deport noncitizens deemed a security threat.
Judge Boasberg Blocks The Proclamation
One day later, in a stunning legal twist, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg—an Obama-era appointee—issued a 14-day injunction blocking the order from taking effect. His ruling temporarily halted the mass deportation effort and required the Trump administration to immediately cease any active removal efforts under the proclamation.
Most notably, Judge Boasberg ordered planes already in the air carrying noncitizens under the proclamation to be turned around—a rare and forceful intervention in immigration enforcement. However, he clarified that his authority does not extend to individuals who have already landed in other countries, meaning some deportations may have already taken place before the ruling.
The Legal Process: What Comes Next?
Now that the administration has ignored a lawful court order, Judge Boasberg could hold the responsible officials in civil contempt.
At this point, the court has several enforcement mechanisms:
Fines – The judge may impose daily financial penalties until compliance is achieved. The fines can be imposed against an agency or an individual. If imposed against an individual, they would likely be paid by the department they serve.
Imprisonment – If defiance continues, the judge could escalate enforcement by ordering jail time for those refusing to comply.
Criminal Contempt – The judge may refer the case to the Department of Justice for prosecution. However, given that the DOJ operates under Trump’s leadership, it is unlikely that his administration would pursue charges against its own officials.
Impeachment – Ignoring court orders could serve as grounds for impeachment and removal. However, with his party firmly in control of Congress, Trump is well aware that the chances of that happening are slim to none.
One key factor in this equation is the presidential pardon power. Trump could issue pardons for anyone convicted of criminal contempt, effectively neutralizing that avenue of enforcement. Because of the recent Supreme Court decisions, Donald Trump himself cannot be held criminally or civilly liable. He’s immune.
Get ready folks, a major fight is about to begin.
Oh, so nothing will happen.
Once they get away with this, it will only continue. We’re fucked… until we, the people, stop him ourselves.