Obama Judge Blocked from Receiving Deportation Info, ‘Lacks Competence’ to Address National Security

A federal judge and the Trump administration are locked in a high-stakes legal fight over the deportation of Venezuelan gang members. The conflict centers around whether courts can review how the president uses an obscure 18th century law to remove dangerous criminals from the country.

Judge Boasberg had ordered a temporary halt to deportation flights while he examined whether using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act was constitutional.

But the flights continued anyway, prompting the judge to demand details about their timing and operations. The Justice Department refused, claiming national security concerns and arguing the judicial branch has no business interfering in these executive branch decisions.

At the heart of the dispute is a fundamental question about the balance of power in government. The administration insists the president has nearly unlimited authority to deport foreign gang members under this old law, while the judge maintains the courts must be able to review such actions.

Legal experts warn this could set important precedents about how much oversight courts can exercise over immigration enforcement, especially when national security is invoked.

The case has become increasingly heated, with Justice Department lawyers accusing the judge of “micromanagement” and overstepping his authority.

Meanwhile, the judge appears determined to determine whether his original order was properly followed. As the appeals process continues, the outcome could reshape the relationship between the presidency and the judiciary when it comes to deportation powers.