Staff Reports
The latest antics from the Trump administration highlight an unabashed commitment to national security and a willingness to thin the herd of criminal elements threatening American shores. President Trump, fueled by the desire to rid the nation of suspected gang members, has resorted to some time-honored provisions in the laws of the United States, all while attorneys are scrambling to tamp down any unwanted judicial inquiries. Approximately 250 Venezuelans, allegedly members of the Tren de Aragua gang, recently found themselves on a one-way flight to El Salvador, while a federal judge tried to put the brakes on the whole operation.
The Justice Department flexed its legal muscles, reminding everyone that the Tren de Aragua gang isn’t just a group of mischief-makers but a full-blown terrorist organization, giving the administration carte blanche under his commander-in-chief powers. Trump is wielding his national security powers like a knight unsheathing a sword, determined to vanquish the perceived threats that have been flooding across the border. Meanwhile, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign is asking a federal appeals court to intervene and maybe even remove Judge Boasberg from the case for inappropriately allowing “terrorists” to file lawsuits instead of focusing on national security.
Judge Boasberg, clearly ruffled by his own lack of control over the proceedings, peppered the government’s lawyers with tough questions during a hearing. It begs the question—whose side is he really on? His inquiry revealed that some planes were already airborne while he was attempting to deliver some judicial smackdown. It creates a bit of a comedy routine when a judge is trying to play traffic cop to flights full of alleged gang members. The judge wanted to know how many more of these deportees were on the chopping block under the Alien Enemies Act, as if he is trying to oversee the seating arrangements of a very unruly classroom.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele couldn’t resist poking fun at the judge’s order, proclaiming on social media that it was all too late; the gang members were already in the process of being unloaded. The images of the deportees being manhandled off planes—leaving behind their wild hair and facial hair for clean-cut white clothes and shackles—could give the average American a chuckle, but reinforces the idea that some might be better off south of the border where they can contribute to their own country’s rehabilitation efforts against their nefarious comrades.
Trump goes all-in on deportation fight, claims national security powershttps://t.co/l6aDLLxk4b pic.twitter.com/BnD514QXbk
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) March 18, 2025
However, judging by the reactions of congressional Democrats, you’d think Trump singlehandedly decided to suspend the Constitution for kicks. They’re outraged, claiming rights violations and quoting the dated Alien Enemies Act as if it were a relic better left in the dustbin of history. In their minds, there’s no national emergency, hence no justification for this aggressive stance. But when do laws meant to protect citizens take a backseat to an influx of illegal immigrants bringing chaos and crime into the country?
Meanwhile, the deportation debate is not limited to gang members. A doctor who reportedly had an affinity for Hezbollah imagery faced off against Customs and Border Protection, finding herself on the wrong side of the border just as the legal wheels of justice started to turn in her favor. It shows the stark contrast in priorities within the current administration—while one arm is working to secure America from imminent threats, the other seems more enthralled by legal technicalities that could harbor coalition-building rather than conflict resolution.
All of this makes for some compelling theater in the circus that is modern governance. It’s hard to deny that there’s a palpable energy surrounding Trump’s bold approach to national security, even as certain quarters of the political sphere scream foul. As it stands, it appears Trump is willing to take the heat, with his administration’s focus sharp as a tack, hell-bent on ridding America of the marauders that threaten her streets and stability. The landscape may be tumultuous, but for many, the promise of safety—and perhaps a little humor along the way—is what truly drives the conversation.
