US District Judge James Boasberg ruled there is probable cause to hold Trump administration officials in criminal contempt for violating his March orders to halt deportations using the Alien Enemies Act. The ruling follows the administration's deportation of Venezuelan gang members on three planes to El Salvador.
Judge Boasberg's decision, detailed in a lengthy ruling, concludes the government's actions demonstrated willful disregard for his court order. Despite providing ample opportunity for the Justice Department to respond and rectify their actions, the judge found their responses unsatisfactory.
The judge is still determining the appropriate punishment and next steps, offering the Justice Department a chance to respond before proceeding further. This case remains a significant political and legal challenge for the Trump administration and its deportation policies.