Staff Reports
In a bold move indicative of his commitment to national security, President Trump has exercised his commander-in-chief powers to fly Venezuelan gang suspects to El Salvador, as confirmed by government lawyers. These gang members, identified as part of the notorious Tren de Aragua organization—now classified as terrorists—are being transported under both Trump’s constitutional authority and the centuries-old Alien Enemies Act. The Justice Department is adamant that a judge has no business meddling in presidential orders, much to the delight of those who prioritize American security.
The Justice Department pushed back against Judge James Boasberg’s attempts to halt the deportations, arguing that once these gang members stepped off U.S. soil, Trump’s authority was untouchable. The government contends that any challenge to the president’s decision is simply a distraction and does not violate any court orders. In typical D.C. fashion, however, Boasberg has scheduled a hearing, much to the government’s chagrin, as they propose it could inadvertently expose sensitive national security information to the public. Apparently, keeping the nation safe is not Boasberg’s top priority.
In an astonishingly swift response to the Justice Department’s pleas, Boasberg not only denied the cancellation request but also found time to demand that planes currently transporting these suspicious characters return to the U.S. as if they were just inconvenient flight delays. This is a fascinating approach reminiscent of a teacher telling kids to come back from recess early—only, in this case, there are gang members involved. The urgency displayed here is certainly noteworthy.
Justice Department cites Trump’s commander-in-chief powers to defend deportations to El Salvadorhttps://t.co/NdvRqyS6nl pic.twitter.com/GiHphQ5Ees
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) March 18, 2025
Adding another layer to this political drama, Trump had ordered the deportation of 238 members of the Tren de Aragua with a proclamation on Friday, flexing those presidential muscles like a bodybuilder in a tank top. Despite immigration activists learning of the plan and hastily filing lawsuits, the planes were already in the air. Boasberg’s directive to ground these flights came amid an outcry, but the Justice Department quickly pointed out that his oral order was merely a suggestion—not a binding decree. It seems courts have lost touch with their own definitions of finality in the Trump era.
The Justice Department’s filings underscore an alarming reality: the president’s powers as commander-in-chief are constitutional, distinct from any other legislation. This clear distinction brings into focus a broader issue—the real purpose of the courts versus the actual safety of the nation. While the Democrats and their activists continue to challenge every move Trump makes, the larger question looms. Should national security be sacrificed at the altar of judicial overreach? The answer seems quite obvious, though half of Washington may still be figuring it out.
