Appeals Court Weighs Fate of Judge’s Contempt Probe Over Trump Deportation Flights
A federal judge's contempt investigation into Trump's deportation flights faces scrutiny as appeals court weighs its legality.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, United States — A federal judge’s ongoing contempt investigation into whether the Trump administration violated a court order blocking the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador is under review by an appeals court. The Justice Department argues that the judge overstepped his authority, while the court appears divided on the matter.
The case centers around District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg, who issued a temporary restraining order in March 2025 to halt the transfer of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador under an 18th-century law. Despite the order, two planeloads of migrants were sent to the country, where they were held in one of the world’s most violent prisons. Boasberg has since pursued a contempt inquiry, alleging possible bad faith actions by the administration.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit heard arguments from the Justice Department and legal experts, with judges expressing skepticism about the government’s stance. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches, as well as the enforcement of court orders in high-profile cases involving the Trump administration.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
