Rare Use of Wartime Authority Sparks Legal Battle Over Venezuelan Deportees

The Trump administration defended its decision to deport Venezuelans under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, arguing it didn't defy a judge's order. Justice Department lawyers claim the flights had departed before the order. Judge Boasberg's inquiry into the case remains unresolved as it tests executive power limits.

The Trump administration is under scrutiny, defending its deportation of Venezuelan nationals, allegedly in violation of a judicial order. The controversy centers around the rare invocation of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a wartime authority typically shelved since WWII.

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ordered a halt on deportations, suspecting possible violations, yet the administration claims the acts preceded his directive. Legal experts debate the weight of Boasberg's oral versus written rulings.

Amid heightened courtroom drama, the Justice Department intends to invoke state secrets privilege to guard sensitive details. As legal challenges continue, the case spotlights potential overreach in presidential powers concerning diplomatic and security affairs.

(With inputs from agencies.)