A federal judge sharply criticized government attorneys as “intemperate and disrespectful,” rebuking the

Trump administration for proceeding with the deportation of Venezuelan gang suspects despite his explicit order to halt the flights.

Judge James Boasberg, an Obama appointee with 14 years on the bench

, said Friday he had never witnessed such disregard for a judicial order, the Washington Times reported.

He also expressed deep concern over the administration’s decision to deport more than 200 Venezuelans last weekend, sending them to a high-security facility in El Salvador known for housing terrorists. The flights were launched immediately after President Trump signed a proclamation allowing members of Tren de Aragua (TdA) to be expelled under the Alien Enemies Act.

The judge remarked that the speed indicated something suspicious. “It seems to be the only reason to do that is if you know it’s a problem and you want to get them out of the country,” Boasberg said in court, the Times reported.

In less than a week, the case has escalated into a high-stakes constitutional clash between the executive and the judiciary branches. President Trump has called for Boasberg’s impeachment, branding him “a radical left lunatic.”

Boasberg, meanwhile, has expressed frustration over what he implied was a deliberate attempt by the administration to undermine his authority through deceptive tactics.