Judge Boasberg’s Landmark Contempt Ruling
US District Judge James Boasberg stunned Washington on Wednesday by declaring that “probable cause exists” to hold the Donald Trump administration in criminal contempt. His 46‑page decision centers on orders he issued in mid‑March. Those orders halted the use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members on three flights bound for El Salvador.
During an emergency hearing, Boasberg demanded the administration pause the removals and return the planes. Instead, the flights continued. “The Government’s actions,” he wrote, “demonstrate a willful disregard for its Order.”
Details of the Contempt Findings
Boasberg’s ruling makes clear he did not reach his conclusion lightly. He granted officials multiple chances to explain or undo their actions. None of their responses satisfied him. Key points include:
- Emergency Order Ignored: On March 15, Boasberg halted the deportations under the Alien Enemies Act.
- Willful Disobedience: The administration sent three planes of migrants to El Salvador that same day.
- Criminal Contempt Pathway: Boasberg found that this conduct meets the standard for “probable cause” of criminal contempt.
CNN legal analyst Steve Vladeck noted such moves are extremely rare. “Holding federal executive branch officials in criminal contempt is just about unheard of,” he said. Boasberg is treading carefully, balancing enforcement with potential appeals to the DC Circuit or Supreme Court.
Letitia James Faces ‘Criminal Referral’ from Trump Official
Political and Legal Flashpoint
The contempt fight has become a major flashpoint in the broader clash over immigration policy. The Trump White House argues that trial courts lack the authority to second‑guess presidential decisions on deportation. Boasberg disagreed:
“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,” he wrote.
Previously, the Supreme Court ruled that the migrants challenging the deportations filed in the wrong court. Their case must now proceed via habeas corpus petitions in specialized courts. But Boasberg emphasized that disobeying his orders before they are reversed remains punishable.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia: El Salvador’s President Bukele Refuses to Return the Maryland Man
Democracy Forward and ACLU Praise the Ruling
Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward, which co‑brought the case with the ACLU, hailed Wednesday’s decision:
“This ruling affirms what we have long known: the government’s conduct in this case is unlawful and a threat to people and our constitution.”
Their legal challenge sparked the emergency hearing where Boasberg first paused the flights. Now, with contempt proceedings underway, the spotlight turns to how seriously court orders will be enforced against high‑level officials.
Miles Taylor Under Fire: Trump Orders Probes of Two Former Officials
Next Steps in the Contempt Proceedings
Judge Boasberg, the chief judge of the DC federal trial court, has mapped out the path forward:
- Sworn Statements: He will first request declarations from officials involved in the March 15 decision.
- Live Testimony: If statements fall short, he’ll summon live witnesses for hearings or depositions.
- Potential Prosecution: Boasberg may ask the Justice Department to prosecute criminal contempt. Alternatively, he could appoint a special prosecutor.
Only after these steps can a formal contempt conviction be entered—requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Implications for the Trump Administration
This rare move to hold an administration in contempt could reshape the balance between executive power and judicial authority. It tests how far the Trump administration will push compliance with court orders it views as infringing on immigration policy. As the contempt battle unfolds, all eyes will be on Judge Boasberg and whether his bold ruling stands up to inevitable appeals.
📢 Follow TNN for the latest updates on U.S. and Canada news, business, tech, politics, sports, and more, including everything about judge boasberg! 🚨
One thought on “Judge Boasberg Finds Probable Cause to Hold Trump Administration in Contempt”