A federal judge is resurrecting a contempt inquiry against Trump administration officials who defied court orders during lawful deportation operations, threatening to prosecute government attorneys for enforcing immigration law.
Story Snapshot
- Judge Boasberg reopens contempt probe after Trump officials continued deportation flights despite his restraining order.
- Venezuelan migrants were lawfully deported under the Alien Enemies Act, but the judge seeks to punish officials.
- Republicans have introduced impeachment articles against Boasberg for obstructing immigration enforcement.
- The Supreme Court ultimately voided the judge’s restraining order, validating the administration’s actions.
Judge Restarts Contempt Investigation Despite Higher Court Rejection
U.S. District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg announced Wednesday he is reopening a contempt inquiry against Trump administration officials who authorized deportation flights in March 2025. The investigation targets officials who continued operations after Boasberg ordered planes carrying Venezuelan migrants to turn around.
The D.C. Circuit Court declined to rehear the Trump administration’s appeal on November 14, 2025, leaving Boasberg free to pursue the matter under what he calls a “fresh legal framework.”
Judge Boasberg revives criminal contempt probe over Trump’s deportation flights to El Salvadorhttps://t.co/kD5ICBOqil pic.twitter.com/GaLpgSZclx
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 20, 2025
Deportation Operations Proceeded Under Constitutional Authority
The March deportation flights transported Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador under Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, a constitutional wartime provision.
Boasberg had issued a temporary restraining order barring the transports so migrants could contest their removals in court. Two flights were airborne when he gave his oral ruling on March 15, and two additional flights departed the following day after his written order.
The Supreme Court ultimately voided Boasberg’s restraining order entirely, confirming the administration acted within legal bounds.
Key DOJ Officials Face Testimony Demands
Boasberg plans to compel testimony from former Department of Justice attorney Erez Reuveni, who was terminated in April after accusing his superiors of ignoring court orders.
The judge also wants to question Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign, who told the court during March 15 proceedings he was unaware of deportation flight plans while planes were already airborne.
DOJ attorney Tiberius Davis stated at Wednesday’s hearing that the government continues objecting to the contempt proceedings.
Republican Lawmakers Push Back Against Judicial Overreach
Trump has repeatedly criticized Boasberg for blocking deportation operations and called for his impeachment, labeling him a partisan actor undermining immigration enforcement. Several Republican Congress members have introduced articles of impeachment against Boasberg over his rulings that obstruct lawful deportations.
The judge’s actions represent judicial interference with executive branch immigration authority, a separation of powers concern that conservatives view as constitutional overreach, threatening effective border security measures.
Contempt Threats Despite Vindication by Higher Courts
Boasberg maintains contempt proceedings are justified because officials defied his initial order before the Supreme Court ruled, stating “such disobedience is punishable as contempt, notwithstanding any later-revealed deficiencies.”
He warned Trump officials could avoid contempt by giving the deported Venezuelans court challenge opportunities, or face identification for prosecution. If DOJ declines to prosecute, Boasberg threatened to appoint an independent attorney. Court filings proposing witnesses and next steps are due Monday, November 24, 2025.
