- United States
- Texas
- Letter
I am deeply concerned about two constitutional crises that unfolded this past weekend—the deportation of Dr. Rasha Alawieh in direct defiance of a federal court order and the use of the Alien Enemies Act to expel Venezuelan nationals despite a judicial block. These actions signal a dangerous disregard for judicial authority and the rule of law.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt falsely claimed the administration complied with the court order in Dr. Alawieh’s case. However:
• March 14, 2025 – Judge Sorokin ordered a 48-hour notice before her deportation.
• Later that evening – She was placed on a flight to Lebanon.
• March 17, 2025 – A hearing will address whether Customs and Border Protection officials defied the order.
If the executive branch can ignore judicial rulings under the guise of presidential immunity, the separation of powers collapses.
Meanwhile, the administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport 250+ Venezuelan nationals, despite Judge Boasberg’s restraining order. This act was never meant for non-state actors like gangs, yet the administration proceeded with removals in open defiance of the courts.
Congress must act now to:
1. Investigate these unconstitutional deportations and hold officials accountable.
2. Reassert judicial oversight over executive actions on immigration and foreign policy.
3. Prevent the misuse of the Alien Enemies Act for broad deportations beyond its legal intent.
If these violations of judicial orders go unchecked, no court ruling will hold weight—a direct threat to our democracy and the rule of law.