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Judge Finds Probable Cause to Hold Trump Administration in Criminal Contempt Over Deportations

Federal judge demands explanation or identification of officials responsible for defying court order halting deportations under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.

File Photo: U.S. District Judge James Boasberg stands for a portrait at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, March 16, 2023.
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Overview

  • U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled on April 16 that there is probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for ignoring a court order halting deportations.
  • The deportations, carried out under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, targeted alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang and continued despite a restraining order issued on March 15.
  • Boasberg has ordered the federal government to either justify its actions or identify the officials responsible for approving the deportations by April 23.
  • The judge emphasized that willful disobedience of judicial orders undermines constitutional principles and the balance of power between branches of government.
  • This legal conflict highlights broader concerns about executive overreach, judicial independence, and the applicability of centuries-old laws to modern national security issues.