Overview
- The department urged the D.C. Circuit to block Chief Judge James Boasberg’s revived contempt inquiry and to remove him from the case, alleging bias and separation‑of‑powers concerns.
- Boasberg has set testimony for former DOJ attorney and whistleblower Erez Reuveni on Monday and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign on Tuesday.
- Prosecutors argued the court’s inquiry exceeds judicial authority, invoked executive privilege to limit questioning, and asserted that criminal contempt investigations are core executive functions.
- The fact‑finding centers on whether Trump administration officials defied Boasberg’s March directives as planes carrying Venezuelan migrants were transferred to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act.
- DOJ filings have identified DHS Secretary Kristi Noem as authorizing the transfers, and she has said she relied on advice from Justice Department and DHS counsel.