A federal judge's decision to halt President Trump's deportation efforts has sparked a heated clash in Washington, leading to an impeachment push by House Republicans.

In response to U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg's emergency ruling that temporarily halted deportation flights of Venezuelan gang members, Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, introduced articles of impeachment against the judge, according to Fox News.

Gill, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, accuses Judge Boasberg of abusing his judicial authority by intervening in a sensitive national security operation authorized under the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime measure dating back to 1798. Boasberg’s temporary restraining order specifically targeted deportations involving members of Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan gang designated by the Trump administration as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Gill characterized Boasberg’s intervention as a direct threat to national security and an infringement on executive power.

A sudden halt draws criticism

The controversy began Saturday evening when Judge Boasberg verbally issued a 14-day restraining order demanding an immediate halt to flights carrying suspected gang affiliates out of the United States. His action followed complaints from human rights groups concerned that legitimate Venezuelan asylum seekers were at risk of deportation. Despite these claims, Gill asserted that Boasberg’s actions were reckless, placing Americans at risk by forcing the Trump administration to turn around planes already airborne and headed out of the country.

In his resolution filed Tuesday, Gill specifically referenced the incident where planes carrying individuals allegedly connected to Tren de Aragua had already taken flight before the judge's written order was officially recorded. The resolution described Boasberg's order as a "usurpation of executive authority," emphasizing the Trump administration’s stance that judicial powers should not extend to aircraft already in international airspace.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration's actions, noting that the judge’s formal written order came too late to impact the deportation flights in question. Leavitt stressed that the administration complied fully with the law, stating that no court order had been violated since the flights departed before the judge’s written instructions were delivered.

Judicial overreach accusations escalate

Gill's move to impeach Judge Boasberg reflects mounting frustration among GOP lawmakers who accuse federal judges of overstepping their boundaries. In a brief interview with Fox News Digital, Gill argued that Judge Boasberg’s decision exemplifies judicial activism, claiming such actions prevent the executive branch from fulfilling its elected mandate:

Chief Judge Boasberg required President Trump to turn around planes midair that had aliens associated with Tren De Aragua, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

This direct allegation formed the core of Gill’s impeachment resolution, which also condemned the judge's ruling as detrimental to public safety. Gill highlighted that such judicial actions cause delays, forcing the administration into endless legal battles rather than allowing it to execute its policy decisions effectively.

Former President Trump quickly endorsed Gill's impeachment push, lambasting Judge Boasberg on his Truth Social platform. Trump referred to Boasberg as a "Radical Left Lunatic," accusing him of undermining the primary reason behind his electoral victory—strict immigration enforcement. Trump further demanded impeachment for Boasberg and similar judges he labeled as "crooked," reinforcing his ongoing public battle against perceived judicial opposition.

High stakes for judicial independence

The case involving Judge Boasberg has intensified debates around judicial independence and executive power limits. During a tense courtroom exchange on Monday, Boasberg challenged the Trump administration's interpretation of judicial reach, questioning why his authority would not apply to deportation flights already en route.

“I’m just asking how you think my equitable powers do not attach to a plane that has departed the U.S., even if it’s in international airspace,” Boasberg reportedly said, underscoring the unprecedented nature of this dispute.

This courtroom battle has raised concerns among legal experts that the dispute may soon escalate to the Supreme Court, potentially reshaping the boundaries of federal judicial authority. Experts predict that a Supreme Court ruling could clarify whether lower-level judges can retroactively influence executive decisions that are already underway, an outcome with far-reaching consequences for immigration enforcement policies.

Broader movement against federal judges

Gill’s impeachment resolution is part of a broader push among House Republicans who have become increasingly confrontational with federal judges perceived as obstructing Trump's policies. Gill himself previously threatened impeachment action as early as Sunday, gaining momentum following public support from Trump and other GOP allies in Congress.

Several other Republican representatives, including Eli Crane of Arizona, Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, and Andrew Clyde of Georgia, have also voiced intentions to impeach judges accused of hindering executive efforts. They specifically targeted Judge Paul Engelmayer, who recently blocked certain actions by the Department of Government Efficiency, further illustrating the GOP’s heightened criticism of judicial intervention.

The impeachment effort against Judge Boasberg now moves to the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. Gill expressed confidence in the process, emphasizing his preference to address the issue through standard congressional procedures. His resolution marks an intensified effort by conservative lawmakers to hold judges accountable for rulings they believe compromise national security.

Deportation controversy draws international attention

Beyond Washington, the controversy surrounding the deportation flights has also attracted international attention. A widely circulated video released by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele showed deportees from the U.S., including alleged gang members, being processed into Salvadoran prisons. The footage, which depicted deportees having their heads shaved upon arrival, sparked debates about the human rights implications of such deportations, highlighting the broader complexities faced by the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Trump’s decision to invoke the Alien Enemies Act—rarely used since World War II—to target gang members underscores his administration’s tough-on-crime stance. While human rights organizations argue that legitimate asylum seekers could be wrongly caught up in these mass deportations, the Trump administration maintains that stringent measures are necessary to protect public safety and national security.

Impeachment push brings uncertain future

Judge James Boasberg's decision to halt deportation flights involving Venezuelan gang members now places him squarely in the middle of an intense political struggle. The impeachment resolution filed by Rep. Brandon Gill represents a significant escalation in the conflict between congressional Republicans and federal judges over executive authority. Gill argues the judge’s action was an unconstitutional interference that jeopardized public safety and undermined the will of American voters.