A federal judge is pressing the Trump administration to explain its actions after the Department of Justice violated a court order halting deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. President Donald Trump invoked the law, which dates back to the 18th century, to deport members of the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua.

But after the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg temporarily blocked the deportation. Despite the court order, at least three deportation flights took off, including one after the judge's verbal ruling.

The Justice Department argues the planes were already in the air before the official written order. But the judge pushed back, demanding answers on the flight's details. He gave the government until noon Tuesday to provide the information.

As tensions rise, legal experts are warning this could set the stage for a constitutional showdown.

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