A US judge may hold the Trump administration in contempt for ignoring an order halting deportation flights to El Salvador last month.
Federal Judge James Boasberg accused the administration of “wilful disregard” after two flights carrying over 200 people were allowed to proceed despite his explicit directive. The deportations involved Venezuelans the White House identified as gang members.
The administration had invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act—an obscure wartime law—to justify the deportations. The Supreme Court later upheld its use, but Boasberg argued that decision did not excuse the administration’s violation of his temporary restraining order issued on March 15.
Boasberg criticized government officials for failing to offer a satisfactory explanation. “The Court does not reach such conclusion lightly or hastily,” he wrote, noting the administration had been given ample time to comply or respond.
If the administration fails to file a sufficient response by April 23, the judge said he will move to identify individuals responsible for the breach and could recommend federal prosecution. This process would fall under the Justice Department, which remains under executive control.
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The White House pushed back, saying it would contest Boasberg’s decision. Communications Director Steven Cheung said they plan to “seek immediate appellate relief.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted the government did not violate the court’s order, stating the ruling had “no lawful basis” and that the deportees—members of the Tren de Aragua gang—had already left US soil.
After learning the flights had departed, Boasberg issued a verbal order demanding they return. However, two continued to El Salvador. The judge subsequently convened a hearing to assess possible defiance of his ruling.
Trump responded on TruthSocial, calling Boasberg a “troublemaker and agitator,” and urged Congress to impeach him.
El Salvador agreed to accept the deportees in exchange for a $6 million deal. Earlier this week, Trump hosted Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele at the White House and discussed plans for further deportation efforts.
The clash marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the judiciary and the executive over presidential authority in immigration enforcement.
BBC News
