Federal Judge Resumes Criminal Contempt Inquiry Over Deportation Flights

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg announced on Wednesday (November 19) that he will swiftly proceed with a criminal contempt inquiry to identify Trump administration officials who allegedly ignored his orders in a significant immigration case. This decision follows a recent ruling by an appeals court, which cleared the way for Boasberg to continue his investigation that had been paused for seven months.

The case centers around President Donald Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act to expedite the deportation of over 250 Venezuelan migrants to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. Boasberg had issued an emergency order in March to halt these deportations, but the flights continued. The migrants were held in El Salvador until they were exchanged in a prisoner swap with Venezuela in July.

Boasberg, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, expressed his determination to uncover the truth, stating, "This has been sitting for a long time and I believe that justice requires me to move promptly on this." He indicated that the inquiry could involve testimonies from current and former Justice Department officials, with hearings potentially starting as soon as December 1.

The judge's actions have drawn criticism from President Trump and some Republican senators, who have called for Boasberg's impeachment. However, Chief Justice John Roberts rebuked these calls, emphasizing that disagreements with court rulings should be addressed through appeals.

The inquiry is expected to delve into a whistleblower complaint from a former Justice Department lawyer, who alleged that senior officials intended to defy court orders to advance the government's deportation efforts. Boasberg has requested input from the Justice Department and attorneys challenging the Alien Enemies Act on how to proceed with the contempt inquiry by Monday.