Summary
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem authorized the transfer of detainees to El Salvador in March, even though a judge ordered the planes to return. The Justice Department explains that the action was legal based on available advice, while an inquiry examines if there was defiance of the judge's order. The issue highlights the ongoing challenges between President Trump's administration and the judicial system over deportation practices.
Key Facts
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem approved transferring detainees to El Salvador in March.
- A judge had ordered the planes returning with the detainees to turn around.
- The Justice Department claims the deportation was legal and consistent with the judge's order.
- Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and other Trump attorneys offered legal advice for the transfer.
- An inquiry is investigating if there was non-compliance with the judge's oral order.
- The detainees were later returned to Venezuela as part of a prisoner swap.
- The deportees experienced harm while held in El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison.
- The DOJ argues the judge’s oral order was not a legally binding command.
