A federal judge recently indicated potential criminal contempt charges against the Trump administration, spotlighting the deportation controversy surrounding the Alien Enemies Act.
Quick Takes
- Judge James Boasberg found “probable cause” for criminal contempt due to deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act.
- The Trump administration continued deportations despite a restraining order.
- The administration seeks appellate relief while emphasizing national security threats.
- The Supreme Court backed the deportations but required due process for affected Venezuelans.
Judge Boasberg’s Restraining Order
On March 15, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act for swift deportations. Despite this directive, the administration deported individuals to El Salvador, triggering legal challenges. Boasberg’s order emphasized the importance of adhering to judicial instructions and the Constitution, leading to the current legal impasse.
Judge Boasberg found the government demonstrated “willful disregard” for his order, citing the deportations as evidence. His order accused the Trump administration of continuing its removal operation rather than complying with judicial provisions, a perspective he shared in his ruling.
Judge Boasberg defies SCOTUS, plans to hold Trump in criminal contempt. His mission is to hand Democrats grounds for impeachment and a midterm election platform to impeach Trump. No sitting POTUS has ever been charged with criminal contempt. We are witnessing a live coup attempt! pic.twitter.com/o3T3skkRzw
— Sling Blade Karl 🇺🇸 (@SlingbladeKarl) April 16, 2025
The Supreme Court’s Stand
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4, allowing the resumption of deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. However, this ruling emphasized the necessity of due process for the deported individuals. Despite supporting the administration’s legal grounding, the court highlighted procedural concerns necessitating legal recourse for those facing removal orders.
The administration, while recognizing the ruling, holds its national security concerns as paramount. White House communications director Steven Cheung emphasized President Trump’s commitment to counteracting threats posed by illegal immigrants linked to criminal activities.
Future Legal Implications
The administration has one week to submit a plan and possibly purge the contempt finding by allowing individuals to challenge their deportations. Failure to comply could lead to prosecution. Legal specialists highlight the case as a complex blend of national security interests, judicial authority, and the rights of individuals under U.S. jurisdiction.
The administration’s appeal plans promise continued legal battles as questions regarding the application and constitutionality of the Alien Enemies Act remain unresolved. The focus on deporting alleged gang members positions the administration at a critical juncture, balancing enforcement priorities against foundational legal principles.
Sources:
- Judge Finds Ground to Hold Trump Administration in Criminal Contempt Over Deportation Flights
- Judge finds probable cause to hold Trump administration in criminal contempt in deportation flights case
- Judge: ‘Probable cause’ to hold U.S. in contempt over Alien Enemies Act deportations
