Trump Administration Cites State Secrets to Block Deportation Information

The Trump administration has invoked the 'state secrets' privilege to refuse providing information to a federal judge regarding controversial deportation flights of alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg is scrutinizing whether the administration violated his orders, which temporarily halted deportations without hearings. Despite this, the administration claims it cannot disclose further details due to national security concerns, escalating tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary. The judge has demanded explanations for the apparent defiance of his injunction, while the administration argues that revealing information could harm diplomatic relations and national security. This legal standoff raises concerns among experts about potential constitutional crises stemming from executive overreach. The deportation flights, which began on March 15, involved individuals labeled as members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, a claim that has been met with skepticism and calls for evidence.