URGENT UPDATE: A federal appeals court has just denied a request to reconsider its ruling on a contempt case against the Trump administration concerning the deportation of alleged gang members to El Salvador. This critical decision allows Judge James Boasberg to advance with contempt proceedings that could expose serious violations of a court order issued in March 2023.
The ruling, delivered on Friday, means that Judge Boasberg can now seek evidence from the Trump administration regarding their decision to proceed with deportations despite his explicit order to turn back planes bound for El Salvador. This order was issued under the Alien Enemies Act, a controversial 18th-century law allowing for the removal of noncitizens with minimal due process.
The appeals court described Judge Boasberg’s actions as “a measured and essential response” to what it deemed “shocking Executive Branch conduct.” The court emphasized the importance of judicial authority, stating, “Obedience to court orders is vital to the ability of the judiciary to fulfill its constitutionally appointed role.”
A hearing is scheduled for Monday, where the parties will determine the next steps in this urgent contempt inquiry. Notably, a whistleblower has recently come forward, alleging that the Trump administration deliberately planned to ignore Boasberg’s order, adding a new layer of complexity to the case.
Lee Gelernt, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, expressed optimism about the ruling, stating, “Now we have more evidence that the government deliberately violated the court’s order.” This development underscores the potential legal ramifications for the Trump administration as they face escalating scrutiny over their deportation practices.
In March, the Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport two planeloads of alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to the CECOT mega-prison in El Salvador. Officials argued that this gang constituted a “hybrid criminal state” invading the U.S. However, following Boasberg’s temporary restraining order directing the planes to be turned back, Justice Department attorneys claimed his oral instructions were inadequate, leading to the deportations proceeding as planned.
This ongoing legal battle highlights pressing concerns about the rule of law and executive overreach. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Judge Boasberg as he navigates the complexities of this case.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The implications of this ruling could have lasting effects on how the U.S. government handles deportation protocols and adherence to judicial orders.
