Judge questions legality of Trump administration’s arguments on Venezuelan deportations

WASHINGTON

A US federal judge expressed doubt Wednesday over the Trump administration’s rationale for deporting more than 130 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, signaling he may order the government to disclose further details about the arrangement, according to a report.

Judge James E. Boasberg questioned the legality of the deportations during a hearing in Washington, DC where American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawyers argued that the migrants were removed under the rarely used Alien Enemies Act and held without due process in a notorious Salvadoran prison, the New York Times reported.

The Venezuelans were expelled on March 15 and transferred to El Salvador’s CECOT prison under what appears to be a bilateral agreement.

The judge referenced comments by President Donald Trump, who suggested he could order the return of one deportee but chose not to.

“Was the president telling the truth when he said he could pick up the phone and he could get Mr. (Kilmar) Abrego Garcia released or not?” he reportedly asked Justice Department lawyer Abhishek Kambli.

Boasberg indicated the administration might bear some responsibility and said he intends to require the government to answer written questions and disclose more information about the deportation arrangement with El Salvador.