Trump-Backed GOP Rep Pushes to Impeach Judge After Deportation Flights Blocked Under Alien Enemies Act
A fierce legal and political showdown is unfolding in Washington after a federal judge halted a Trump administration plan to deport suspected members of a Venezuelan criminal gang — prompting calls for impeachment and accusations of judicial overreach.
Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) filed a resolution accusing U.S. District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg of abusing his authority when he issued an emergency restraining order blocking deportation flights authorized under the centuries-old Alien Enemies Act. The law, passed in 1798, allows the president to deport nationals of hostile nations during times of conflict.
Former President Donald Trump, who recently invoked the law to remove alleged members of Tren de Aragua — a Venezuelan gang designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — backed Gill’s impeachment efforts, calling Boasberg a “Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge.”
Deportation Flights Turned Around Mid-Air
According to the Trump administration, two planes carrying individuals flagged for deportation under the Alien Enemies Act had already departed when Judge Boasberg issued his verbal 14-day restraining order late Saturday. One flight was ordered to return mid-air, while a third — reportedly carrying no deportees under the act — was unaffected.
Gill’s resolution accuses Boasberg of endangering national security and interfering with the Executive Branch:
“Chief Judge Boasberg required President Trump to turn around planes midair that had aliens associated with Tren De Aragua… This conduct jeopardizes the safety of the nation, represents an abuse of judicial power, and is detrimental to the orderly functioning of the judiciary.”
Human Rights Groups Challenge Deportations
The judge’s emergency order came after civil rights organizations warned that the Trump administration was rushing deportations without confirming gang affiliations — potentially sending back Venezuelan asylum seekers with no ties to criminal activity.
In court, Boasberg challenged the administration’s legal stance, questioning whether his “equitable powers” cease once a plane leaves U.S. airspace. He also voiced concern that government actions may have intentionally bypassed his order.
Political Firestorm and Legal Fallout
Rep. Gill, a freshman lawmaker and member of the House Judiciary Committee, said he would push for impeachment proceedings to begin there. He accused Boasberg of “tying the president’s hands” and “usurping executive authority.”
Trump echoed those sentiments on Truth Social, writing:
“This judge… should be IMPEACHED!!! I’m just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do.”
The White House defended its actions, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating:
“All of the planes subject to the written order had already taken off before the order was filed. We did not defy any court.”
Still, the administration’s opponents insist the operation was reckless and unlawful.
What Comes Next?
The clash now heads toward a potential House Judiciary Committee showdown, where Gill hopes to begin the formal process to impeach Boasberg. While judicial impeachments are extremely rare, the move highlights the deepening tensions between the Trump-aligned GOP and the federal judiciary.
With immigration, executive power, and judicial independence all at stake, the case could have far-reaching implications heading into the 2026 midterms.
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