A U.S. federal judge has issued a warning to the Trump administration, suggesting it may face contempt of court for allegedly failing to comply with a recent order that halted deportation flights to El Salvador last month, according to BBC.
Judge James Boasberg criticized the government for what he described as “willful disregard” for his temporary restraining order, which prevented the deportation of over 200 Venezuelans. “The Court does not reach such conclusions lightly or hastily… None of their explanations have been adequate,” Boasberg stated.
The administration had cited the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a law from wartime, to support the deportations, which the Supreme Court later affirmed could apply to such removals. However, Boasberg maintained that the government still broke his restraining order, which was active at the time when the deportations took place.
During a March 15 hearing, Boasberg issued the order and instructed that any flights already en route should be turned back. Two flights proceeded as planned, prompting the judge to consider potential contempt charges.
Boasberg mentioned that the administration could avert a contempt ruling by providing a satisfactory explanation for its actions and compliance by April 23. Should it fail to do so, responsible individuals may face legal consequences.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied any wrongdoing, asserting: “The administration did not ‘refuse to comply’ with a court order. The order… was issued after individuals associated with the terrorist group Tren de Aragua had already been removed from U.S. territory.”
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung confirmed that the administration plans to appeal. “We intend to seek immediate appellate relief,” he stated. “The President is fully committed to ensuring that terrorists and criminal undocumented immigrants do not pose a threat to Americans.”
Trump reacted via TruthSocial, labeling Boasberg a “troublemaker and agitator” and calling for his impeachment.
El Salvador accepted the deported individuals as part of a $6 million agreement. President Nayib Bukele met with Trump in Washington this week to discuss further cooperation on deportations.
