The Trump administration has enlisted Abhishek Kambli, an Indian-origin lawyer, to defend its use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 for deporting illegal immigrants, despite a federal judge’s orders to halt the flights. Kambli, serving as Deputy Associate Attorney General at the Justice Department, faced criticism from Judge James Boasberg after the administration insisted it was adhering to judicial rulings while privately asserting executive authority to continue deportations.
Judge Boasberg, under pressure from MAGA hardliners calling for his impeachment, ordered Kambli to provide a written certification by Tuesday noon confirming that no deportations had occurred. This followed the administration’s refusal to redirect flights already in the air. Adding to the controversy, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele mocked the court’s efforts, posting “Oopsie… too late!” alongside a laughing emoji, as his country continues to accept and imprison deported individuals from the U.S.
Anger within Trump’s camp has escalated, with activists accusing Boasberg of bias due to his daughter’s involvement with an organization providing legal aid to undocumented immigrants. Kambli and other officials argued that flights had already left U.S. airspace when the court order was issued, making compliance impossible. When questioned, Kambli maintained that national security concerns restricted him from revealing how many flights had taken off. Judge Boasberg pushed back, asserting his judicial authority extended beyond U.S. borders.
Kambli, known for defending conservative policies, has played a pivotal role in high-profile cases, including blocking the Biden administration’s $475 billion student loan forgiveness plan and challenging gender identity protections. As a former assistant attorney general in Kansas, he successfully halted a rule granting temporary agricultural workers collective bargaining rights under H-2A visas.
Now in his most politically charged case yet, Kambli’s legal defense has deepened the partisan divide over immigration enforcement. MAGA supporters have labeled Boasberg an “enemy combatant,” while Republican lawmaker Brandon Gill has vowed to introduce impeachment articles, a move endorsed by Elon Musk. The case underscores the ongoing battle between executive authority and judicial oversight in shaping U.S. immigration policy.
