The latest shocking case of a federal agency brazenly ignoring a court order—leading to the deportation of Dr. Rasha Alawieh—is yet another glaring example of how Donald Trump’s authoritarian ambitions continue to endanger American democracy. The disregard for legal authority in this case is not an isolated event. It is part of a deeply troubling pattern of lawlessness, one that has only escalated as Trump and his allies seek to dismantle the very foundation of our justice system.
When Court Orders Are Ignored, Democracy Trembles
Dr. Alawieh, a respected medical professional and Brown University faculty member, was detained and deported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) despite a federal judge’s explicit order barring her removal. The judge, Leo Sorokin, had mandated that she remain in the country pending further legal proceedings. Yet, CBP—an agency emboldened by Trump’s hardline immigration policies—defied this order, sending her to Paris en route to Lebanon with no explanation to her family or legal representatives.
This is not just a bureaucratic oversight. This is a deliberate and dangerous rejection of judicial authority. If agencies under Trump’s influence can so openly ignore court rulings, what does that mean for the rule of law in America?
Judge Sorokin’s demand for an immediate explanation underscores the severity of the situation. But it also raises a much bigger question: Who will enforce the law when Trump’s forces act as though they are above it?
Trump’s Legacy of Lawlessness
Trump’s disregard for democratic institutions is nothing new. His presidency was riddled with contempt for the judiciary, from ignoring subpoenas to openly attacking judges who ruled against him. His continued influence over government agencies—especially those responsible for border security and immigration enforcement—has led to repeated violations of constitutional rights, including:
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Refusal to comply with subpoenas during impeachment proceedings
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Defiance of federal court orders on immigration bans and asylum policies
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Contempt for the Supreme Court when it struck down his attempts to end DACA
Trump and his enablers operate with the mentality that laws do not apply to them. The deportation of Dr. Alawieh is simply another symptom of this disease.
What Happens Next? Who Will Enforce the Law?
With Trump’s continued attacks on the legal system, the enforcement of judicial rulings has become an urgent crisis. The courts can issue orders, but if federal agencies refuse to follow them—especially under Trump’s influence—who will hold them accountable?
Congress could, in theory, intervene. The Department of Justice could launch investigations. But these avenues require political will and moral courage—both of which are in short supply among Republican leaders still beholden to Trump.
More worrisome is the possibility that Trump’s allies will continue to test the limits of judicial defiance. If agencies under his influence can ignore rulings now, what happens if he regains power—possibly even attempting to extend his rule beyond constitutional limits? Trump has already floated the idea of staying in office longer than allowed, and if unchecked, he may attempt to change the law or use his Republican enablers to keep himself in power indefinitely.
These are no longer hypothetical questions.
We the People: The Last Line of Defense
At the heart of this crisis is a fundamental truth: The survival of democracy depends on us—the American people. We cannot afford to be passive observers as Trump dismantles our legal system, brick by brick. Every time a court ruling is ignored, every time an agency under Trump’s shadow refuses to follow the law, we move one step closer to authoritarianism.
It is up to us to:
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Speak out—Raise awareness and demand accountability from elected officials.
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Organize and mobilize—Support movements that fight for democracy, justice, and the rule of law.
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Vote in overwhelming numbers—Ensure that Trump and his enablers are permanently removed from positions of power.
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Pressure lawmakers—Demand investigations, oversight, and legal consequences for those who defy court orders.
The time for complacency is over. If we allow this lawlessness to continue unchecked, we may soon find that there is no one left to enforce justice at all. Our democracy is in crisis, and only we can save it.
The Tipping Point is here. The question is: What will you do?