Agree with the above. It's nuts, and the court will see it that way, too. If the judge says no to the kids going to the States with him, there is no way he is going to allow him to have their passports.
The amusing part of this (as an outside legal professional--I know NONE of this is amusing to you) is that he might as well hold up a sign saying he intends to take the kids out of the country one way or another. I think this little stunt will put the judge's radar on HIGH alert--obviously, he cannot be trusted with the kids out of the country.
And yes, keep breathing.