Trump administration officials defended their use of extraordinary war powers to deport a significant number of Venezuelan migrants, despite Venezuela denying claims that the deportees were gang members.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, "It's modern-day warfare, and we are going to continue to fight that and protect American citizens every single step of the way," during an appearance on Fox News. She justified the administration's decision to deport 137 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, asserting they were part of the Tren de Aragua gang and posed a safety risk.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello countered the accusations, arguing that the deportees had no ties to the gang, which Washington has labeled a terrorist organization. Relatives and immigration advocates for some of the deported individuals have also rejected any allegations of gang affiliation.
The administration invoked wartime laws to carry out these deportations, citing claims of violent crimes and financial contributions to Venezuela. White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, without presenting evidence, asserted that Tren de Aragua acts as a proxy for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's regime, claiming Maduro is deliberately emptying prisons to orchestrate attacks on the United States.
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg indicated that he would examine whether the Trump administration violated a previous order temporarily halting the use of the wartime law for deportations after failing to halt two flights carrying the Venezuelans. The administration faces a March 25 deadline to respond to the judge's request for further details regarding the deportations.
Some legal scholars view this situation as a potential escalation in President Trump's confrontation with the judiciary, raising concerns about a looming constitutional crisis. Tom Homan, the administration's border czar, emphasized on ABC News that while they would not defy the court's order, the administration would continue to arrest individuals deemed dangerous.
Bondi chastised Judge Boasberg for interfering with the administration's policies, calling him "an out-of-control judge trying to control our entire foreign policy." In a recent hearing, Boasberg expressed frustration regarding how government lawyers addressed him in this case, although he did not specify the language he found problematic.
Bondi further criticized other federal judges, alleging that they are attempting to obstruct the president's policies. She asserted, "We are in court every day, fighting against these activist judges. We're not going to stop. Many of them should be recused from these cases."