A federal judge ruled Wednesday there is probable cause to hold Trump administration officials in criminal contempt for deporting Venezuelan migrants in violation of his verbal order.
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said the administration failed to comply with his March 15 directive to return planes carrying migrants to El Salvador. He said the Justice Department has until April 23 to purge the contempt finding or provide the names of officials responsible.
Boasberg had blocked deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, which Trump invoked in response to alleged threats from the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. After Boasberg’s order, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele announced the migrants had already arrived, posting “Oopsie…too late.”
The Justice Department argued the flights had already departed before Boasberg’s ruling and claimed no violation occurred because the judge’s directive was not in writing.
Boasberg warned he may refer the case for prosecution if no corrective action is taken.
Sources
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