Judge demands DOJ explanation on deportations despite order

A federal judge expressed disbelief at the Trump administration's defense for ignoring his temporary restraining order against deportations under the Alien Enemies Act during a tense court hearing. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg demanded answers from the Department of Justice regarding flights that allegedly deported members of the Tren de Aragua gang, despite his orders to halt such actions. The Justice Department claimed compliance with a later written order, but Boasberg insisted that his earlier verbal directive should also be honored. He required the DOJ to provide a sworn declaration detailing why key information about the flights was withheld, citing national security concerns as the reason for their refusal to disclose specific details. The administration's attempts to dismiss the case from Boasberg's courtroom have drawn criticism, raising concerns about the potential overreach of executive power. The ACLU and other groups have raised alarms over the implications of this case for civil liberties and judicial authority.