White House and Republicans escalate fight to remove judge Boasberg
The White House challenges judicial authority by proceeding with deportations despite a court order, igniting a high-stakes battle over executive power and the future of judicial independence.
The White House has endorsed President Donald Trump's call for the impeachment of EE.UU district Judge James Boasberg, following his issuance of a restraining order against the administration's deportation policy targeting alleged Venezuelan gang members. Trump labeled Boasberg a "radical left lunatic" and questioned his authority to halt the deportations.
White House pushes for judge Boasberg’s impeachment amid deportation policy clash
Deputy White House Chief of Staff James Blair echoed Trump's sentiments, asserting that "activist partisan judges" should face impeachment. However, legal experts, including Chief Justice John Roberts, contend that impeachment is not a remedy for disagreements over judicial decisions. Republican senators have also dismissed the impeachment notion as unreasonable.
The administration's deportation efforts invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a statute seldom used since World War II, to expedite the removal of alleged gang members. Judge Boasberg issued a 14-day restraining order, stating that federal law does not permit bypassing standard removal proceedings without a congressional declaration of war.
White House defies court Order on Deportations, Sparking Constitutional Clash
Despite the court order, the administration proceeded with deportation flights, arguing that the judge's verbal directive lacked enforceability once the planes were in international airspace. This defiance has sparked a constitutional debate over the separation of powers and the extent of executive authority.
The situation underscores escalating tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary, raising concerns about the potential erosion of judicial independence and the checks and balances integral to the EE.UU. constitutional framework.