A Republican representative from Tennessee, Tim Burchett, engaged in a heated discussion with CNN's John Berman regarding a federal judge's decision to stop deportation flights initiated by the Trump administration. The debate centered on whether the judge had the constitutional right to halt these flights under the Alien Enemies Act, which the administration had used to target members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua for deportation.
The controversy arose when Judge James E. Boasberg, appointed during Obama's presidency, issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the deportation of five Venezuelans, ordering their return to the U.S. Burchett criticized the judge as an "activist" and accused him of overstepping his authority.
Berman challenged Burchett's comments, questioning whether he objected to a federal judge interpreting the law or doubted the legitimacy of the judge's confirmation. Burchett maintained his stance, arguing that the individuals targeted for deportation were criminals and criticized CNN for allegedly siding with them.
Burchett described the situation as an "act of war" due to the illegal entry of millions over several years, suggesting it was akin to an invasion. The debate continued with Berman defending the judge's authority to review the administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act. Burchett insisted that Trump and his team were acting appropriately and had public support.
The congressman expressed frustration with CNN's perceived bias, accusing the network of consistently siding with the far left and attributing its declining ratings to this stance. Berman defended his questioning as respectful, while Burchett dismissed CNN's defense of the judge as out of touch with the American public.
In related news, Tom Homan, a former immigration official, criticized the judge's ruling on Fox News, calling it illogical to allow members of a terrorist organization to stay in the country.