Judge cites “willful disregard” for judicial ruling as administration faces April 23 deadline to avert sanctions
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
WASHINGTON — A federal judge appointed by former President Barack Obama found probable cause Wednesday to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt after determining officials violated a March 15 court order by deporting alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang in defiance of a temporary restraining order (TRO).
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg wrote that the government “demonstrated a willful disregard” for his directive by flying two planes of detainees to El Salvador after the TRO was issued, noting the action took place while legal proceedings were still pending. “The Court does not reach such conclusion lightly or hastily,” Boasberg stated. “Indeed, it has given Defendants ample opportunity to rectify or explain their actions.”
Although the Supreme Court later ruled that Boasberg lacked jurisdiction to block the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport foreign nationals on national security grounds—citing that the case should have been filed in Texas rather than D.C.—the judge emphasized that the high court’s jurisdictional decision “does not excuse the Government’s violation.”
“The Constitution does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial orders — especially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it,” Boasberg continued, rejecting arguments by government attorneys that the TRO infringed on executive branch authority.
To avoid a contempt citation, the judge ordered the Trump administration to “assert custody of the individuals who were removed in violation of the Court’s classwide TRO” so they may access U.S. courts through habeas corpus petitions. Boasberg directed the government to file a declaration by April 23 “explaining the steps they have taken and will take to do so.” Failing that, the administration must identify the officials responsible for authorizing the deportation flights.
The case centers around the administration’s invocation of wartime authority to expedite removals of foreign nationals affiliated with criminal organizations deemed threats to national security. President Donald Trump has argued the measure is essential in combating foreign crime syndicates operating on U.S. soil. White House officials have yet to comment publicly on Boasberg’s contempt warning.
Judge Boasberg dismissed the administration’s constitutional defenses, writing: “Once the dust Defendants kick up is cleared away, it is evident that the TRO merely did what courts consistently do: review and sometimes restrict Executive actions.” He added that even if the administration believed the TRO exceeded Article III authority, it would not justify ignoring a lawful judicial directive.