Trump Admin Faces Contempt Charge in Immigration Showdown
Judge Boasberg cites willful defiance in ICE deportation flights to El Salvador.
WASHINGTON—A federal judge on Wednesday found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for defying a court order to halt deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, escalating a legal battle over immigration policy.
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled that the government’s actions on March 15, when it proceeded with deportation flights despite his explicit order to stop, demonstrated “a willful disregard for its Order, sufficient for the Court to conclude that probable cause exists to find the Government in criminal contempt.” The decision marks a significant rebuke of the administration’s handling of the controversial deportations.
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Boasberg’s order came after he had temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting individuals under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which the administration invoked to target alleged Venezuelan gang members. The judge’s March 15 minute order directed the government to halt deportation flights and return any planes already in transit. However, the administration continued with some deportations, prompting Boasberg to demand accountability. Full decision here:
“The Court ultimately determines that the Government’s actions on that day demonstrate a willful disregard for its Order,” Boasberg wrote in his opinion. He offered the government two options: return the deported individuals to the United States or disclose the names of officials responsible for the decision to proceed with the flights, allowing for targeted sanctions.
The contempt finding has intensified scrutiny of the administration’s immigration enforcement tactics. Critics argue the use of the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely invoked law from the 18th century, represents an overreach of executive power. The administration, however, has defended its actions, asserting that Boasberg’s order exceeded his jurisdiction.
Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how courts address executive defiance of judicial orders. “This is a rare and serious step,” said Marc Reichlin-Melnick, an immigration attorney, in a statement to NPR. “A criminal contempt finding against the government signals that the court views this as a deliberate violation, not a misunderstanding.”
Boasberg’s ruling also ordered the government to explain why it should not face contempt charges, with a hearing scheduled to determine further action. The judge previously expressed frustration with the administration’s response, questioning who in the administration knew of his order and who authorized the defiance, according to NBC News.
The Trump administration has faced mounting legal challenges over its immigration policies, with this case drawing particular attention due to the invocation of the Alien Enemies Act. As the case moves forward, Boasberg’s contempt finding underscores the ongoing tension between judicial authority and executive action. The government has until April 30 to comply with the judge’s order or face potential sanctions, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal showdown.