WASHINGTON: The Justice Department (DOJ) is resisting a judge’s demand for details on recent deportations.
It argues that releasing flight information threatens national security.
Judge James Boasberg requested details about deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act.
The DOJ claims the request intrudes on executive authority in foreign policy matters.
Officials want to delay the deadline for submitting classified flight details.
National Security
The DOJ insists the court’s demands violate executive powers over national security.
Attorney General Pam Bondi filed an emergency request on Wednesday morning.
Officials argue the information is legally irrelevant to the case.
They claim the request is a waste of legal resources.
The DOJ warns disclosure could compromise diplomatic relations.
Flight Details
The judge wants exact departure times of deportation flights last weekend.
He also seeks records of when deported individuals left U.S. custody.
The Trump administration carried out the deportations under the Alien Enemies Act.
Two planes carrying migrants reportedly left the U.S. on Saturday.
Officials argue such details are classified and unnecessary.
Escalating Tension
The dispute has heightened tensions between the DOJ and Judge Boasberg.
Boasberg was appointed by former President Barack Obama.
He is currently the chief judge of the Washington, D.C. federal court.
DOJ officials requested a pause on the noon deadline for compliance.
They are considering invoking the state secrets privilege.
State Secrets
If invoked, the state secrets privilege would block court review of sensitive information.
The DOJ argues this is necessary to protect national security interests.
The filing describes Boasberg’s demands as “beating a dead horse”.
The government claims revealing these details is dangerous and unnecessary.
This move highlights deep legal and political tensions over immigration policies.
