By Mae Slater on
 March 18, 2025

White House defends decision to deport violent illegal immigrants

The Trump administration is under scrutiny following its decision to proceed with the deportation of over 200 people, despite a federal court's directive to stop such actions under a specific legislative act.

News Nation Now reported that the White House, in a press gathering on Monday, addressed the backlash surrounding the deportations. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stood by the administration's decisions, emphasizing the legality and necessity of their actions.

Judge James E. Boasberg had issued an order late Saturday evening mandating a halt to these deportations. The ruling was a response to concerns over the application of the Alien Enemies Act, which the president invoked.

The Act, a long-standing piece of legislation, permits deportations during wartime. Its current application by President Trump in this context has been contentious.

Despite the ruling, the administration moved to deport 261 individuals. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Sunday that these deportations included individuals identified as members of the Tren De Aragua and MS-13 gangs.

Press Conference Highlights The Administration’s Justification

During the briefing, Leavitt assured that the president's approach was in line with his "constitutional authority" and within "the bounds of the immigration laws" of the United States. This justification is central to the administration's defense.

Leavitt stressed that the administration believes it is operating not only legally but also morally, in pursuing safety for U.S. citizens. "The president is using every lever of his executive authority," she articulated, underscoring the administration's conviction.

She further expressed confidence in upcoming legal proceedings, affirming the administration's stance that they will prevail in court. This reflects a proactive strategy in addressing the ongoing legal battles.

A crucial hearing set for Monday afternoon will further explore these deportation actions and their alignment with federal mandates. The judiciary will evaluate the balance between executive authority and judicial orders.

Leavitt's assertion of confidence suggests an unyielding posture from the president's office as they await the court's decision. This stance could influence future executive actions in immigration policy.

The press briefing did not shy away from challenging questions on this sensitive issue. The administration remains committed to its policies.

Planes Depart Before Legal Order Takes Effect

Curiously, all deportation flights departed U.S. soil before Judge Boasberg's order took effect. This timing is pivotal as it shifts the focus on procedural timing and legal interpretations.

Critics argue this maneuver bypassed judicial oversight deliberately, raising ethical questions. Nonetheless, Leavitt did not address these specific allegations.

However, the legal challenges emphasize potential conflicts between the judicial system's orders and the executive branch's actions.

Beyond the legal implications, these deportations have stirred public debate. They spotlight issues of due process and executive authority in policy enforcement.

The focus on particular groups, such as Venezuelans and alleged gang members, adds another layer to this complex narrative. These elements are likely to feature prominently in the legal and public discourse moving forward.

Observers suggest that the case could set precedence for future actions under the Alien Enemies Act. As the story progresses, attention will remain on Washington's handling of these sensitive issues. Policies and their execution are under intense scrutiny.

Written By:
Mae Slater

Latest Posts

See All
Newsletter
Get news from American Digest in your inbox.
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: American Digest, 3000 S. Hulen Street, Ste 124 #1064, Fort Worth, TX, 76109, US, https://staging.americandigest.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.
© 2025 - The American Digest - All Rights Reserved