🚨BREAKING: President Trump just sidestepped a judge’s order attempting to block the deportation of illegal gang members by the DHS to countries like El Salvador. Trump deported them through the DOD instead, stating the judge’s order only applied to the DHS
In a move that is already setting off shockwaves across legal and political circles, former President Donald Trump has bypassed a federal judge’s ruling that sought to halt the deportation of certain undocumented immigrants with alleged gang affiliations. The original order, directed at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aimed to temporarily suspend the removal of individuals deemed at risk of facing violence or persecution in countries such as El Salvador. However, Trump responded by utilizing the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out the deportations instead, arguing that the judicial injunction was specific only to DHS operations.
The decision has ignited a storm of controversy, with constitutional scholars, immigration activists, and political figures from both sides of the aisle weighing in. Critics argue that Trump’s maneuver undermines the integrity of the judicial branch and sets a dangerous precedent by circumventing a legal order through a technical workaround. Many fear that this could erode the checks and balances intended to prevent the executive branch from wielding unchecked power, particularly in areas as sensitive as immigration and national security.
Supporters of Trump, however, are praising the move as a bold and strategic assertion of presidential authority. They argue that gang-related violence, particularly from groups like MS-13, poses a direct threat to public safety and that swift deportation of known criminals is both justified and necessary. Some conservative commentators have hailed Trump’s action as a demonstration of decisive leadership, applauding his refusal to let what they describe as “activist judges” interfere with efforts to protect American communities.
The individuals deported reportedly include a group of detainees previously identified by federal authorities as having ties to transnational criminal organizations. According to unofficial sources within the administration, the deportations were facilitated using military transport, raising further questions about the extent to which the DOD can or should be used in immigration enforcement—a domain traditionally reserved for civilian agencies.
Legal analysts predict that the fallout from this decision will likely play out in the courts, with new lawsuits expected to challenge the legality of using the DOD for purposes not explicitly authorized by immigration law. Some experts also warn that the action could strain international relations, particularly with Central American countries that have expressed concerns over the repatriation of gang-affiliated individuals without proper judicial process.
As of now, neither the Department of Justice nor the Pentagon has issued an official statement regarding the legality or scope of the operation. The Biden administration, while yet to comment publicly, is reportedly reviewing the matter closely. Meanwhile, civil liberties organizations are calling for congressional oversight and a formal inquiry into what they describe as a “blatant abuse of executive power.”
This latest development adds to the long list of controversial immigration policies associated with Trump, many of which remain contested in courts or under legislative review. With the 2024 election cycle in full swing, this bold act may further energize Trump’s base while intensifying opposition among those who view it as a direct affront to the rule of law.
