A federal judge in Washington, D.C., rejected a request from migrants in Texas to pause what they believe are imminent deportation flights, saying he doesn't have the authority to step in under a recent Supreme Court ruling.
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg called an emergency hearing on Friday evening in response to reports that the Trump administration was plotting imminent deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, even as ongoing legal challenges and previous court orders prevent such removals.
The accused Venezuelan men are contesting their deportations. Their attorneys alerted the court that the government had sent removal notices and requested a temporary block that would force the government to give at least 30 days’ notice before deporting anyone under the act.
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But the judge told lawyers he doesn't have the authority to pause the deportations, despite his concerns about the Trump administration's actions, CNN reported.
A Justice Department attorney told the court no flights are planned, but that the Department of Homeland Security said it can remove people on Saturday.
“I am sympathetic to everything you’re saying, I just don’t think I have the power to do anything,” Boasberg said.
Boasberg pointed to a recent Supreme Court ruling that only the courts with jurisdiction over the detention center in Texas can intervene.