Trump vs. Boasberg: Judge Threatens Contempt Charges Over Defied Deportation Order

Judge Boasberg says he's found clear and convincing evidence that Trump officials defied a court order. Now the Justice Department—and the separation of powers—face a critical test.

President Donald Trump and Federal Judge James Boasberg

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled on April 16 that there is probable cause to hold Trump administration officials in criminal contempt for violating a court order halting the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador.

Boasberg says the government must move swiftly to comply with the court’s order and potentially retrieve migrants who were deported in violation of it if it hopes to avoid criminal charges. (WSJ)

The decision intensifies ongoing tensions over the administration’s controversial immigration policies.

Background of the Case

In March, Judge Boasberg issued an injunction halting the deportation of individuals from Venezuela, particularly those linked to the criminal gang Tren de Aragua, to El Salvador.

Despite this ruling, deportation flights continued, landing in El Salvador on March 15. In his decision, Boasberg determined that the administration had "deliberately and gleefully" disregarded the court order, a move he described as a serious breach of judicial authority. (AP)

Meanwhile, White House Communications director Steven Cheung brushed the contempt case aside, saying on X:

“We plan to seek immediate appellate relief. The President is 100% committed to ensuring that terrorists and criminal illegal migrants are no longer a threat to Americans and their communities across the country.” (X)

Legal and Political Reactions

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