Wed Apr 16 23:04:30 UTC 2025: ## Trump Administration Held in Contempt of Court Over Deportations
**Washington, D.C. – April 17, 2025** – A federal judge has held the Trump administration in criminal contempt of court for defying a court order to return planes carrying deportees to El Salvador. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg found probable cause that the administration willfully violated his order, which prohibited deportations under the Alien Enemies Act before allowing detainees to challenge their removal in court.
The ruling marks a significant escalation in the ongoing legal battle between the Trump administration and the judiciary. The administration, which has repeatedly criticized judges for limiting the president’s actions, is appealing the decision. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the administration’s actions, emphasizing the president’s commitment to addressing illegal immigration.
Judge Boasberg’s order, issued last month, stemmed from President Trump’s invocation of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to address concerns about the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Despite a Supreme Court decision vacating the temporary injunction blocking the deportations, the Supreme Court mandated that immigrants be given a chance to challenge their removal. The judge asserted that the administration’s actions, including the deportation of individuals before legal challenges could be heard, constituted a deliberate attempt to circumvent judicial authority.
The administration argued that it did not violate the order, citing the timing of the planes’ departure and the lack of a specific turnaround directive in the written order. However, Judge Boasberg countered that even if the initial order had a “legal defect,” the administration’s actions still demonstrated willful disobedience.
The judge warned of further actions, including potential hearings and referral for prosecution, if the administration fails to remedy the situation. He also noted a separate case involving the mistaken deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, where the administration refuses to facilitate his return despite a Supreme Court ruling. Another judge is considering contempt proceedings in that case. The ongoing legal battles have fueled strong reactions, including calls from President Trump and his allies to impeach Judge Boasberg – a move Chief Justice John Roberts publicly denounced as inappropriate.
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