The Trump administration's decision to deport Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador despite a judge's order to stop represents a significant challenge to the U.S. Constitution. Here is a timeline based on court filings and Flight tracking website Flightradar24, detailing the deportation operation that unfolded on Saturday when the judge issued the order.
Friday, March 14: Venezuelan detainees at the El Valle Detention Center in Texas are informed of their impending transfer or flight to an undisclosed location.
Saturday, March 15: - Early Saturday: The American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward sue the Trump administration in federal court, citing the imminent deportation risk under the Alien Enemies Act. - 2:31 p.m.: Thomas Cartwright notes unusual ICE flights from Harlingen to El Salvador. - 5:00 p.m.: Judge James Boasberg conducts a hearing via videoconference in the ACLU's case.
As the operation continues amid the judge's order to halt: - Between 6:45 p.m. and 6:48 p.m.: Judge Boasberg instructs the government lawyers to return the detainees back to the U.S. - Despite the order, flights continue to El Salvador throughout the night. - Sunday: Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele shares a video of migrants being deported, sparking reactions from Elon Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.