Judge Threatens to Hold Trump DOJ in Contempt in Latest Order on Deportation Flights

| Published March 21, 2025

In a recent legal confrontation, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has threatened to hold the Trump administration’s Department of Justice (DOJ) in contempt over deportation flights to El Salvador. The dispute centers on the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members under the rarely invoked Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

The controversy began when the Trump administration deported over 200 Venezuelans, citing national security concerns. Judge Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order to halt these deportations, but two flights proceeded despite his directive. The administration argued that the judge’s oral order lacked legal weight and that the flights were beyond U.S. jurisdiction when the order was issued.

In response, Judge Boasberg criticized the DOJ’s explanations as “woefully insufficient” and demanded a detailed account of the flights’ timelines. He has set a deadline for the administration to provide this information and to decide whether to invoke the state secrets privilege to withhold details.

🚨judge in Alien Enemies Act is getting even more ridiculous with demands! No reason for any demands if he wants to order show cause. Let Trump present evidence it believes relevant to question. 1/

— Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) March 20, 2025

This legal standoff highlights the ongoing tension between the judiciary and the executive branch over immigration enforcement and the limits of presidential authority.

REDSTATE – Judge Threatens to Hold Trump DOJ in Contempt in Latest Order on Deportation Flights

POLITICO – Judge calls Trump administration’s details on Venezuelan deportations ‘woefully inadequate

AP NEWS – Judge calls Trump administration’s latest response on deportation flights ‘woefully insufficient’