Here’s Why Trump’s White House Ignored Judge’s Order to Halt Deportation Flights (Video)

President Donald Trump’s White House just delivered a masterclass in America First defiance, ignoring a federal judge’s order to turn around deportation flights carrying violent Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang members—and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele backed the play, leaving the left in a meltdown. On Saturday, Chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, an Obama appointee, issued a temporary restraining order blocking Trump’s use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport over 200 gangsters to El Salvador without hearings, demanding the planes return mid-flight, per the Washington Post and Axios. But Trump’s team, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi—who’s already appealed—pressed ahead, unloading the thugs in El Salvador, where Bukele agreed to incarcerate them for a fee. White House adviser Stephen Miller and press secretary Karoline Leavitt explained why: the flights were over international waters, the order lacked jurisdiction, and Trump’s Article II powers trump a “single judge in a single city,” as Leavitt stated on X.

Reporter: “The Alien Enemies Act has only been invoked during times of war. Do you feel you're using it appropriately right now?”

Trump: "This is a time of war.”

So good. pic.twitter.com/PttTIYqUKG

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) March 17, 2025

Here’s the timeline, per reports: Trump signed the order Friday night, quietly, but by Saturday morning, it leaked, sparking a rush to get planes airborne. At 2:31 p.m., an activist on X noted “TWO HIGHLY UNUSUAL ICE flights” departing Texas for El Salvador. Hours later, the ACLU’s challenge prompted Boasberg’s 6:51 p.m. ruling, but both flights were over the Yucatan Peninsula, outside U.S. airspace. Inside the White House, officials debated turning back but, on advice from lawyers, decided the judge’s order didn’t apply. “We proceeded with deporting these thugs,” a senior official told Axios, while Leavitt clarified, “The Administration did not ‘refuse to comply’… The order, which had no lawful basis, was issued after terrorist TdA aliens had already been removed.”

The Administration did not ‘refuse to comply’ with a court order. The order, which had no lawful basis, was issued after terrorist TdA aliens had already been removed from U.S. territory. The written order and the Administration’s actions do not conflict. Moreover, as the Supreme… https://t.co/DnjUsuWTLH

— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) March 17, 2025

The left’s freaking out, crying “constitutional crisis” and “civil war,” but they look like ghouls demanding violent gangbangers return to U.S. streets. For Trump supporters, this is a win—94% drop in illegal crossings, 9,000 troops on the border, and rapid deportations show Trump’s leadership. Web reports from Reuters and NPR confirm the judge’s block and Trump’s defiance, while posts on X cheer, “Bukele and Trump—swamp can’t stop them!” Expect lawfare, but Trump’s Article II powers, per Supreme Court precedent, may hold.

Alex D.

Alex D is a conservative journalist, who covers all issues of importance for conservatives. He writes for Supreme Insider, Red State Nation, Defiant America, and Right Journalism. He brings attention and insight from what happens in the White House to the streets of American towns, because it all has an impact on our future, and the country left for our children. Exposing the truth is his ultimate goal, mixed with wit where it’s appropriate, and feels that journalism shouldn’t be censored. Join him & let’s spread the good word!