A significant legal confrontation between the judicial and executive branches escalated Wednesday, as a federal judge announced he has found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt of court.
U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg determined that the administration violated his explicit orders requiring planes carrying deportees bound for El Salvador to be turned around.
The judge’s finding centers on the administration’s failure to comply with these directives, resulting in individuals being deported despite the court’s intervention.
READ: Conservative Groups Urge Supreme Court Review Of Offshore Wind Project Approval
In his ruling, Judge Boasberg issued a warning: the administration must “purge” its contempt by voluntarily obeying his order, or face a potential referral for criminal prosecution.
To purge the contempt, Boasberg specified, the administration must return the individuals who were deported to El Salvador in violation of his order back into U.S. custody. This action, he noted, would allow them the opportunity “to avail themselves of their right to challenge their removability.”
“The Constitution does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial orders — especially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it,” he wrote.
Should the Department of Justice decline to pursue a criminal contempt prosecution, Boasberg stated he possesses the authority and intends to appoint another attorney to prosecute the matter independently.
READ: U.S. Sanctions Chinese ‘Teapot’ Refinery In Bid To Halt Iranian Oil Exports
This development marks a heightened phase in the ongoing power struggle concerning the limits of presidential authority in executing key administration priorities, such as immigration enforcement.
The situation has previously been marked by sharp exchanges, including President Trump’s calls for Judge Boasberg’s impeachment and accusations from the Justice Department that the judge has overstepped his judicial authority.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
