House Lawmaker Files Impeachment Articles Against Judge Over Trump Deportation Order

House Lawmaker Files Impeachment Articles Against Judge Over Trump Deportation Order

FIRST ON FOX: A member of the House GOP has initiated impeachment proceedings against the federal judge who halted deportation flights ordered by the Trump administration, which were set in motion under the Alien Enemies Act.

Representative Brandon Gill, a Republican from Texas, criticized what he termed the actions of “rogue activist judges” who hinder the president’s constitutional duty to protect the nation. Gill articulated his stance in an interview with Fox News Digital, asserting, “This is another example of a rogue judge overstepping his authority.”

In the resolution obtained by Fox News Digital, Gill alleges that U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg abused his judicial power by imposing an emergency pause on the Trump administration’s deportation strategy aimed at removing members of the criminal Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua.

“Chief Judge Boasberg required President Trump to turn around planes midair that had aliens associated with Tren de Aragua, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization,” the resolution claims. “This conduct jeopardizes the safety of the nation, represents an abuse of judicial power, and is detrimental to the orderly functioning of the judiciary. Using the powers of his office, Chief Judge Boasberg has attempted to seize power from the Executive Branch and interfere with the will of the American people.”

In a brief conversation with Fox News Digital ahead of submitting his resolution, Gill expressed his intention to handle the matter through normal House procedures, asserting that the resolution would first go to the House Judiciary Committee, of which he is a member.

“I will be speaking with Chairman Jim Jordan regarding this issue,” Gill said. “I believe the best course of action is to navigate through the Judiciary Committee, which is where judicial impeachment cases are processed. Sticking with this plan will yield the best results.”

A legal tumult is emerging following Boasberg’s verbal issuance of a 14-day restraining order on Saturday night, which halted the Trump administration’s deportation plans for Tren de Aragua members. This action came in response to human rights advocates’ claims that Venezuelan nationals qualifying for asylum could be endangered by the deportations, independent of any affiliation with the notorious gang.

Gill, serving as the freshman class president in the 119th Congress, had previously warned about initiating impeachment articles against Boasberg. Trump supported this movement in a heated post on his Truth Social account the following Tuesday.

Trump referred to Judge Boasberg as a “Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge, a troublemaker and agitator,” stating, “HE DIDN’T WIN ANYTHING! I WON FOR MANY REASONS, IN AN OVERWHELMING MANDATE, BUT FIGHTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MAY HAVE BEEN THE NUMBER ONE REASON FOR THIS HISTORIC VICTORY.”

“I’m merely fulfilling the directive of the VOTERS. This judge, like many other Crooked Judges I am obligated to face, should be IMPEACHED!” Trump asserted in his post.

Gill further accused Boasberg of intentionally obstructing the president’s authority and suggested the judge’s actions were “unconstitutional” and represent a “usurpation of executive authority.”

The Trump administration pointed out that Boasberg’s written order was issued after two planes carrying alleged gang members were already airborne, claiming that it was too late to alter their course. A third plane that departed following the first two was confirmed to be free of Alien Enemies Act deportees, according to the administration.

“All of the planes subject to the judge’s written order took off before that order was officially entered in the courtroom on Saturday,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared on Monday, asserting that the administration did not violate any court order.

However, during a court session later that day, Boasberg countered the administration’s assertions. According to the Associated Press, he questioned the Trump administration’s lawyer, asking whether the judge’s equitable powers could not apply to planes that had already departed the U.S., even if they were in international airspace.

The unfolding conflict may escalate to the Supreme Court, potentially setting significant precedents regarding the extent of power exercised by lower federal judges.

Gill’s resolution follows similar actions proposed by other Trump supporters in the House, including Representatives Eli Crane, Derrick Van Orden, and Andrew Clyde. They have all promised to file impeachment articles against U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer for obstructing Department of Government Efficiency efforts.

The court did not provide a comment when approached by Fox News Digital regarding Gill’s resolution.

Reflection on Judicial Authority

This unprecedented move by Gill emphasizes the ongoing tensions between the legislative and judicial branches of government. With debates heating up around the balance of powers, this case may serve as a litmus test for future judicial actions regarding executive decisions. Critics of Boasberg claim that any perceived overreach jeopardizes not only Trump’s policies but also the foundational principles of American governance.

The implications are vast and may redefine the judicial limits that legislators and judges contend with moving forward. Observers are keenly watching how this confrontation unfolds, as it has the potential to set a historical precedent impacting the future of judicial oversight over executive actions.