The Trump administration may face contempt proceedings after a federal judge questioned whether they defied a court order halting deportations under a centuries-old immigration law.
Key Facts:
- U.S. District Judge James Boasberg questioned the Trump administration over deportation flights on March 15.
- At least 261 migrants, including over 100 Venezuelans, were removed under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
- The deportations occurred after Boasberg issued an emergency injunction blocking such removals.
- Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign claimed compliance, but Boasberg accused the government of acting in “bad faith.”
- A decision on contempt proceedings could come as early as next week.
The Rest of The Story:
In a tense courtroom hearing, Judge Boasberg pressed Trump administration attorneys about deportations carried out despite a court order.
The flights involved Venezuelan nationals, some allegedly linked to the violent Tren de Aragua gang.
The administration relied on the Alien Enemies Act of 1798—a law designed during wartime—to justify the removals.
Boasberg challenged whether the administration knowingly ignored his emergency order issued hours before the flights took off.
He specifically questioned why flight details were withheld from the court, even though they may not have been classified.
The government cited national security concerns but failed to provide a clear legal basis for doing so.
Boasberg’s exchanges with Ensign suggest he’s considering formal contempt charges.
He demanded names of officials involved and appeared frustrated by the lack of transparency.
The hearing also revealed a pattern of delayed or incomplete communication between the administration and the court.
Commentary:
Judge Boasberg’s latest actions don’t look like a neutral application of the law.
He seems committed to dragging the administration back into court—even after the Supreme Court agreed to hear the larger case.
Instead of deferring to the higher court or recognizing the complexity of immigration enforcement tied to national security, Boasberg is inserting himself more forcefully.
He continues to act as if he alone can decide the boundaries of executive authority during times of national threat.
His broad interpretation of judicial power is raising serious constitutional concerns, especially since he’s now toying with contempt proceedings over what amounts to a policy disagreement.
The administration claims the flights were lawful and timely.
If Boasberg had serious cause, he should have clearly outlined which specific actions violated his order. Instead, he’s speculating about bad faith and implying criminal intent without hard proof.
This isn’t the first time Boasberg has clashed with the Trump administration.
The president has previously called for his impeachment, and it’s not hard to see why.
This latest episode will only deepen concerns about judges pushing political agendas from the bench.
Legislators exercise “will”
Presidents exercise “force”
Judges exercise “judgment”
Bad things happen when one branch exercises power belonging to another
One might call this “The Boasberg Phenomenon,” reminiscent of James Madison’s warnings in Federalist 78 https://t.co/kfxeK9fm60
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) April 3, 2025
While Congress is unlikely to impeach Boasberg, this case makes a compelling argument for new limits on how federal judges issue sweeping orders affecting national security.
There must be boundaries—judges should not have unchecked power to stall executive actions during emergencies.
The Supreme Court needs to take up this case quickly.
If they don’t rein in Boasberg now, the precedent being set here could allow any single judge to interfere with immigration enforcement, even when it involves known criminals and national security risks.
The Bottom Line:
Judge Boasberg is pushing hard against the Trump administration over deportation flights that may have defied a court order.
He’s considering contempt charges and demanding answers the government says are protected.
This isn’t just a legal dispute—it’s becoming a battle over the limits of judicial authority and executive power.
All eyes now turn to the Supreme Court to bring clarity before this escalates further.
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