U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled that the Trump administration may be in criminal contempt for defying his order to halt deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. President Trump invoked this act to target a Venezuelan prison gang, leading to the deportation of alleged gang members to El Salvador. The ACLU and Democracy Forward sued the administration for violating due process.

Despite Boasberg’s restraining order, the government proceeded with the deportations, prompting him to consider criminal contempt charges. He gave the government until April 23 to respond and rectify the contempt or face prosecution. Boasberg emphasized the seriousness of willful disobedience of judicial orders, stating that the Constitution does not tolerate such actions.

The Supreme Court weighed in, indicating procedural errors but not ruling on the legality of Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act. Boasberg maintained that the government’s violation of his order was punishable as contempt, regardless of later legal determinations. Democracy Forward vowed to continue advocating for due process rights and criticized the government’s actions as unlawful and unconstitutional.

Boasberg’s decision underscores the importance of upholding judicial orders and the rule of law, signaling potential legal repercussions for government officials who disregard court mandates. The case highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding immigration policies and due process rights in the U.S.