Donald Trump officials invoke ’State Secrets’ to block Judge’s order for info on deportation flights: Report

Three members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet have invoked the state-secrets privilege to withhold details about deportation flights carrying Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act, USA Today reported. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem argued in court filings on Monday (March 24) that revealing flight information would pose risks to national security and foreign relations.

Judge ordered disclosure amid deportation controversy

Chief US District Judge James Boasberg had initially attempted to block deportation flights on March 15, but two flights reportedly departed before his written order took effect. Boasberg then demanded information on the flights, including departure times, passenger numbers, and final destinations. However, Trump administration officials refused to comply, citing national security concerns.

"Plenary Authority" to remove terrorists

In a legal filing, according to the news report, Bondi defended the administration’s stance, stating, "This is a case about the President's plenary authority... to remove from the homeland designated terrorists participating in a state-sponsored invasion, and predatory incursion into, the United States. The Court has all of the facts it needs to address the compliance issues before it."

Trump previously designated the Venezuelan crime gang Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organisation and ordered the deportation of its alleged members.

Separation-of-Powers clash

The case represents a significant confrontation between the executive and judicial branches as judges scrutinise the legality of Trump’s policies. Bondi warned against further judicial intervention, arguing, "Further intrusions on the Executive Branch would present dangerous and wholly unwarranted separation-of-powers harms with respect to diplomatic and national security concerns that the Court lacks competence to address," the news report quoted.

Boasberg reaffirmed his order halting deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act until those accused of gang membership had a chance to contest their designation.

Trump calls for Judge's impeachment

Trump responded by calling for Boasberg’s impeachment who has ruled against his administration. However, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts pushed back, emphasising that legal disputes should be handled through the appeals process rather than impeachment threats.

Deportation flights to El Salvador confirmed

Despite US officials refusing to confirm flight details, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele stated on social media that his country received 238 alleged members of Tren de Aragua on March 15, along with 23 alleged members of MS-13. However, USA Today reported that some women deportees claimed in sworn statements that Salvadoran officials refused to accept migrants from Nicaragua or female detainees.

National security justification for withholding flight details

In a statement, Marco Rubio justified withholding the information, stating, "The release of this information could reasonably be expected to cause significant harm to the foreign relations interests of the United States and, relatedly, the national security interests of the United States."

Noem echoed these concerns, the new report said, warning that disclosing departure locations and flight paths could endanger US officials, contractors, immigrants, and the general public.

Appeals court holds hearing

Trump has appealed Boasberg’s ruling, and the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals held a hearing on Monday to determine whether the administration violated court orders. Meanwhile, government lawyers indicated they may present further arguments on Tuesday explaining why they believe no violations occurred.

As the legal battle continues, the clash over immigration policy, executive authority, and judicial oversight remains at the center of one of the Trump administration’s most contentious legal disputes.