In a new case of an activist judge taking action, the Trump administration is in the crosshairs, facing criminal contempt charges as U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has ruled that their deportation flights violated a court order.
See the tweet below!
The administration stands accused of using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to expel individuals despite a restraining order, highlighting once again the power struggles within our government.
Judge Boasberg found probable cause to hold the Trump administration accountable for not complying with an order to halt deportations under the Alien Enemies Act.
President Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members, despite a temporary court order meant to halt such actions.
The administration went ahead with deportations, sending 137 people to El Salvador, sidestepping judicial restraint.
The ACLU and Democracy Forward quickly filed a lawsuit, arguing that these actions occurred without due process.
“The Court does not reach such conclusion lightly or hastily; indeed, it has given Defendants ample opportunity to rectify or explain their actions. None of their responses has been satisfactory,” Boasberg said, cited by BBC News.
Despite the Justice Department’s arguments that Boasberg overstepped, he firmly declared the deportations violated legal requirements for individuals to contest removability in court.
The White House, planning to appeal the ruling, denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the deportations were lawful.
“We plan to seek immediate appellate relief,” stated Steven Cheung, White House spokesperson, underscoring the administration’s commitment to protecting citizens from potential threats.
“The Constitution does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial orders — especially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it,” emphasized Boasberg, cited by The Hill.
If the federal government fails to identify those responsible for the deportations by April 23, further prosecution may unfold.
El Salvador even agreed to receive the deported individuals in exchange for $6 million, which raises more questions about the priorities in play.
BREAKING: Judge James Boasberg has found probable cause that the Trump administration acted in contempt of court when officials last month defied his order to turn two planes around carrying alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador. https://t.co/CN9UDBDaL2
— ABC News (@ABC) April 16, 2025
