The #Trump admin is back in court this afternoon before Judge #Boasberg who is seeking detailed info about the govt’s defiance of his court order to return #Venezuelans deported under the #AlienEnemiesAct.
Boasberg—who isn’t some small time judge as Trump & the DOJ are saying, but rather the chief judge for the US District Court for the DV—on Thurs called the info the govt had provided him after multiple hearings & orders “woefully insufficient” (see earlier in this 🧵 for entire quote).
#law
This morning, Dpty AG (& fmr #Trump #criminal defense atty who lost the case that resulted in Trump becoming the first convicted #felon to be elected POTUS in history) #ToddBlanche submitted a sworn declaration at confirming that there are ongoing Cabinet-level discussions that Blanche is involved in about whether the admin will invoke the “#StateSecrets privilege” to shield some info from the court.
#law #Constitution #immigration #AlienEnemiesAct #Judiciary #SeparationOfPowers
Edited 107d ago
The privilege would allow the govt to withhold evidence on the grounds that it could compromise national security. #Boasberg has repeatedly expressed skepticism that this privilege applies if for no other reason than everything about the #deportations were broadcast by #Trump & the admin on social media.
After reviewing #ToddBlanche’s declaration, Boasberg scheduled a hearing for 2:30PM today, & said the govt must decide by Tues whether it would be invoking the privilege.
Edited 107d ago
@Nonilex
Do I understand correctly that this privilege does not in fact allow the DOJ to withhold evidence from examination by the judge to verify that privilege is warranted?
It’s a delay tactic. Boasberg has clearance to see classified & top secret stuff & does so regularly. He’s the chief judge at the DC federal court FFS.
The longer the all goes on the less likely the deportees will be able to be returned. The ones who weren’t gang members are in very real danger of getting killed in CECOT.
Also while the admin’s actions & their application of AEA is being contested, they’re continuing to deport people by saying nothings been decided yet.