The recent mass deportation of alleged gang members to El Salvador by the US has sparked outrage, with the administration asserting the legality of its actions.
**White House Rejects Allegations of Defying Court Ruling on Deportations**
**White House Rejects Allegations of Defying Court Ruling on Deportations**
Rights groups claim due process was bypassed as mass deportations occurred despite a judicial order.
The White House is firmly denying claims of defying a judge's order during a recent mass deportation weekend, which rights groups argue breached due process. A total of 238 alleged Venezuelan gang members and 23 suspected MS-13 members were deported to a Salvadoran prison. The deportations were authorized under a wartime law not applied since World War II, raising eyebrows among legal experts.
Adding to the controversy, the action was executed even after a temporary restraining order was issued by US District Judge James Boasberg, requesting a 14-day pause to allow for further legal arguments. Despite the judge's orders, the White House maintains that the deportation took place before the ruling was formalized, and claimed that the order itself was unlawful.
Notably, the identities of the deported individuals and details regarding their alleged criminal ties have not been disclosed, leading to concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding these deportations. Family members of some alleged deportees have voiced their concerns, asserting that their loved ones do not have any gang affiliations.
President Trump justified the mass deportation by invoking the Alien Enemies Act, which permits the removal of non-citizens during times of war. This law, dating back to 1798, has raised questions from activists who argue that the deportation of gang members does not constitute an invasion warranting such measures.
The response from human rights organizations has been swift and critical. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) stated that this may signal a dangerous shift in US law, emphasizing that the act is only applicable during declared wars or invasions. They stressed that gangs do not equate to warfare.
Amnesty International expressed similar concerns, labeling the deportations as part of the Trump administration's pattern of discriminatory targeting against Venezuelans. Venezuela's government has also condemned Trump’s actions, stating they unfairly label Venezuelan migrants as criminals.
These deportations are part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to combat illegal immigration, which has included strengthening ties with El Salvador.
Adding to the controversy, the action was executed even after a temporary restraining order was issued by US District Judge James Boasberg, requesting a 14-day pause to allow for further legal arguments. Despite the judge's orders, the White House maintains that the deportation took place before the ruling was formalized, and claimed that the order itself was unlawful.
Notably, the identities of the deported individuals and details regarding their alleged criminal ties have not been disclosed, leading to concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding these deportations. Family members of some alleged deportees have voiced their concerns, asserting that their loved ones do not have any gang affiliations.
President Trump justified the mass deportation by invoking the Alien Enemies Act, which permits the removal of non-citizens during times of war. This law, dating back to 1798, has raised questions from activists who argue that the deportation of gang members does not constitute an invasion warranting such measures.
The response from human rights organizations has been swift and critical. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) stated that this may signal a dangerous shift in US law, emphasizing that the act is only applicable during declared wars or invasions. They stressed that gangs do not equate to warfare.
Amnesty International expressed similar concerns, labeling the deportations as part of the Trump administration's pattern of discriminatory targeting against Venezuelans. Venezuela's government has also condemned Trump’s actions, stating they unfairly label Venezuelan migrants as criminals.
These deportations are part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to combat illegal immigration, which has included strengthening ties with El Salvador.
