Exclusive: How the White House ignored a judge's order to turn back deportation flights

[pnwmom]

Last edited Sun Mar 16, 2025, 06:27 PM - Edit history (2)

Source: Axios

The Trump administration says it ignored a Saturday court order to turn around two planeloads of alleged Venezuelan gang members because the flights were over international waters and therefore the ruling didn't apply, two senior officials tell Axios.

Why it matters: The administration's decision to defy a federal judge's order is exceedingly rare and highly controversial.

"Court order defied. First of many as I've been warning and start of true constitutional crisis," national security attorney Mark S. Zaid, a Trump critic, wrote on X, adding that Trump could ultimately get impeached.

The White House welcomes that fight. "This is headed to the Supreme Court. And we're going to win," a senior White House official told Axios.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/2025/03/16/trump-white-house-defy-judge-deport-venezuelans

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According to the article, the original intention wasn't to defy a court. It was to act so quickly that the planes were landed in El Salvador before a court had time to act.

But they did defy the judge's order and now they're claiming they could because the flight was over international waters.

About the Alien Enemies Act:

Trump floated invoking the law on the campaign trail. Its use comes as some of his administration members have become frustrated with the slower than expected pace of deportations.

Since the act is not part of immigration law, it would allow the government to detain and deport people without court hearings or asylum interviews.

Its most infamous use came during World War II, when it was used help justify Japanese internment.

https://www.axios.com/2025/03/14/trump-alien-enemies-act-deportations

[republianmushroom]

1. In other words judge, shove it.

Now what are you going to do judge ? Are they above the law, judge ?

[sakabatou]

2. We've been in a constitutional crisis for a while now

WTF are the states supposed to do? Arrest federal officials/officers in charge of ops?

[moonshinegnomie]

11. yes

ignore jurisdiction since the fascists seem to b eok with it. find some friendly official in another state if needed and have them arrest the federal officials. hold them in contempt in a local/state jail until the court orders are complied with. if nessecary dont disclose the location where they are being jailed.


extereme action requires exteme responce

[Evolve Dammit]

3. We would not be here if Garland had a spine. But he didn't and now the rule of law is disappearing.

[Bread and Circuses]

4. #47 crossed the red line ......explanation

He is emboldened by the passage of the continuing resolution and spending bill which showed him that he’s a king and that republicans will not stop him and some others who are unnamed went along for the pony ride.

The red line is that #47 has defied a court order. As such, he has given the middle finger to the constitution, the courts and the congress.

Since Congress is now neutered, expect #47 and his project 2025 agenda to be increasing speed to destroy the federal government and our constitution. I expect that fascism will replace our republic and democracy by summer.

Well done, republicans.

[moonshinegnomie]

12. hw long until violence breaks out

i dont see how we really avoid it at this point short of the military removing trump and his lackeys

[NH Ethylene]

5. If the courts do not mete out consequences, then all is lost.

And I find it hard to believe they will do it.

[msongs]

6. os if russian nukes are over international waters its ok for them to hit US cities later? nt

[Buddyzbuddy]

7. This is just the beginning.

The SC needs another bite at the "immunity apple" now that they're seeing what there decision has wrought. At the very least, a year from now. Robert's and Barrett can make it a 5/4 vote. I know wishful thinking.

[bluestarone]

8. I understood that the immunity decision wasfor his official duties? (i mean i thought it wasn't immunity IF he

Intentionally broke laws? IF he knowingly broke a judges order, then THAT is an illegal act. NO?

[Bayard]

9. It's still a U.S. plane, right?

If the law doesn't apply in international waters, then trump orders should not apply in international waters. Lawyers?

[bluestarone]

10. YES, so Does he think a US plane

Change laws because of borders? BULLSHIT on that. IMPEACH the bastard. (ye i know)

[Buddyzbuddy]

13. This response implies an admitted culpability to ignoring the order

otherwise there would be no need for a response to justify the action. The result is a guilty conscience.
In otherwords, I ignored your order because I have the power to do so, but if I don't then I was safe because I touched base before you could tag me out.

[moniss]

14. A US flight that is in US control is subject to

US law no matter where it is. Once you are off the plane you are subject to the laws wherever you are and governed by treaties etc. By the goofy reasoning given by the idiots here any US citizen in or over International waters has no legal rights. In fact if you strictly applied their reasoning you are not even in possession of being designated a US citizen since citizenship is defined by US law and since they are saying US law does not apply or have any force over International waters then there is no basis in law for any citizenship designation.

[2naSalit]

15. I can see...

In the back of my mind's eye, a J6 like event only at the WH, same people, only going after their abuser.