URGENT UPDATE: A federal judge has just announced the revival of contempt proceedings against officials from the Trump administration. This comes after allegations that they willfully violated a court order by deporting hundreds of Venezuelan men to El Salvador on March 15, 2023.
During an hourlong status conference on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg declared he would require sworn testimony from administration officials to investigate whether they defied his order to halt the deportations. “It seems that a factual inquiry is in order,” Boasberg stated, emphasizing the need for witnesses to testify under oath.
This decision breathes new life into a contentious legal battle over the limits of presidential power. Previously, a three-judge panel of a federal appeals court had put a stop to this inquiry earlier this year. However, a larger appellate panel ruled on Friday that Boasberg could still pursue the matter, directing him to identify key decision-makers involved in the deportations.
The implications of this ruling are significant. Boasberg is now conducting criminal contempt proceedings which could lead to fines or other sanctions against officials involved. His actions have drawn the ire of Trump allies, who argue he has overstepped his judicial authority.
The Justice Department has been at odds with Boasberg, asserting that he lacks jurisdiction to conduct these contempt proceedings. They argue that the Trump administration did not willfully disobey any court orders. The department has until Monday to submit a proposal outlining their next steps, as requested by Boasberg.
This case centers on alleged violations of the Alien Enemies Act, concerning Venezuelan men who were deported under controversial circumstances. In April, Boasberg concluded that the Trump administration acted “in bad faith” while hastily organizing the deportation flights amid ongoing emergency court proceedings.
Adding to the urgency, the Venezuelan men at the heart of this case were released from a Salvadoran prison this summer and returned to Venezuela as part of a U.S.-brokered prisoner swap, further complicating the legal landscape.
As this story develops, all eyes are on the Justice Department’s response and how Boasberg will proceed with the contempt inquiry. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent regarding the limits of executive power and judicial oversight.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds.
