A federal judge has found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for defying a court order to halt deportation flights to El Salvador. The administration deported over 260 individuals, including Venezuelan nationals, despite a restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg. The judge had explicitly ordered that any planes already in the air be turned around and the individuals returned to the U.S. Wikipedia+2Business Insider+2The Guardian+2Wikipedia+5Latest news & breaking headlines+5Wikipedia+5Wikipedia+1AP News+1
The administration argued that the judge’s verbal directive lacked legal standing and claimed that the flights were already beyond U.S. jurisdiction when the order was issued. Judge Boasberg rejected this reasoning, stating that the administration’s actions amounted to “willful disobedience” and set a deadline for the administration to either regain custody of the deported individuals or identify the officials responsible for the violations. AP News+2Wikipedia+2Business Insider+2
In a related case, Judge Paula Xinis is considering contempt proceedings after the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident. Garcia was deported despite a court order blocking his removal, and the administration has yet to comply with the judge’s directive to facilitate his return. Vox+1Latest news & breaking headlines+1Latest news & breaking headlines+1Vox+1
These incidents have intensified tensions between the judiciary and the executive branch, raising concerns about the enforcement of court orders and the balance of powers within the U.S. government. Legal experts warn that continued defiance of judicial authority could lead to a constitutional crisis. AP News
The Trump administration has announced plans to appeal Judge Boasberg’s decision, and legal scholars note that President Trump could potentially use his pardon power to nullify any contempt prosecution, as he has done in the past. Vox+2Business Insider+2AP News+2
The outcomes of these legal battles may have significant implications for the judiciary’s ability to check executive power and uphold the rule of law.
