Appeals court rules US can deport illegal immigrants despite local objections in win for incoming Trump admin

In a recent ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, it was decided that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can continue using Seattle’s Boeing Field for chartered deportation flights. This decision comes as a win for the incoming administration of President-elect Trump, overturning a 2019 local executive order in King County that sought to counter then-President Trump’s immigration policies.

The court found that the executive order violated its contract by prohibiting deportations at the airport and discriminated against ICE by targeting federal operations. The use of Boeing Field for deportation flights had been a key aspect of Trump’s immigration policies, prompting the local county to attempt to block these operations.

As a result of the executive order, ICE had to begin using an airport in Yakima, Washington, which led to increased operational costs and security concerns due to the greater distance from ICE detention facilities. The legal battle with King County ensued, with the U.S. suing the county for violating the terms of a contract that guarantees the federal government’s right to use the airport.

In a ruling on Friday, November 30, 9th Circuit Judge Daniel A. Bress upheld the court’s decision, stating that the county was being asked to lift a discriminatory prohibition on private parties’ ability to engage in business with the federal government in support of federal immigration efforts.

The new order also requires transparency around deportation flights, with a conference room now available for the public to observe deportation flights via video feed. The county also posts a log of deportation flights from the airport on its website.

President-elect Trump’s promise to initiate deportation efforts on his first day in office has been reinforced by his selection of Tom Homan as “border czar.” Homan has made it clear that the administration will proceed with deportation efforts, regardless of opposition.

However, blue city officials have voiced their opposition to Trump’s plans, with mayors and governors in states like Illinois, Arizona, and Massachusetts declaring their refusal to assist in the administration’s deportation efforts. They have vowed to uphold sanctuary status and resist what they see as harmful and misguided policies.

The ruling allowing ICE to continue using Boeing Field for deportation flights is a significant victory for the incoming administration. It sets the stage for increased immigration enforcement efforts, despite opposition from some state and local officials. The ongoing battle over immigration policies is sure to continue as the new administration takes office.