Judge Threatens Contempt Charges Against Trump Administration for Migrant Deportations

In a significant ruling, Judge James Boasberg signals a potential contempt investigation centered on immigrant deportations.

Judge James Boasberg of Washington issued a serious warning to officials in the Trump administration, indicating that he would initiate a contempt investigation concerning the administration's deportation flights for migrants unless the deported individuals are granted the opportunity to challenge their deportation. He expressed “probable cause” that the administration had breached an earlier court order which mandated that these migrants be allowed to remain in the U.S. instead of being sent back to countries such as El Salvador.

This potential inquiry represents an extraordinary step by the judiciary to hold the executive branch accountable for allegedly disregarding court rulings. If the administration fails to comply, Judge Boasberg stated he would seek sworn declarations from officials to ascertain accountability. Should that prove ineffective, he is prepared to conduct depositions or hearings under oath. Ultimately, if those routes yield no results, he mentioned he would refer the matter to the Justice Department to consider criminal charges.

In a related effort to address the fallout of incorrect deportations, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen has traveled to El Salvador to meet with Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant who was mistakenly deported from the U.S. and subsequently imprisoned, underscoring the real-world consequences of these policies.