US judge finds probable cause to hold Trump officials in criminal contempt for deportation order violation

WASHINGTON

A US federal judge found probable cause Wednesday to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for defying an order to halt deportation flights to El Salvador.

District Judge James Boasberg wrote in his 46-page decision that “the Government’s actions on that day illustrate a willful disregard for its Order,” describing the conduct as a “deliberate disregard” for the court’s directive.

“The Court does not reach such conclusion lightly or hastily; indeed, it has given defendants ample opportunity to rectify or explain their actions. None of their responses has been satisfactory,” he added.

“The Constitution does not permit willful disobedience of judicial orders—especially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it,” he wrote.

The judge last month barred deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, which Trump invoked to expel migrants he said were tied to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.

But an aircraft reportedly continued to El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele confirmed its arrival, posting “Oopsie… too late” on social media.

Trump denied violating any order and called Boasberg a “radical left” judge, urging his impeachment. The Justice Department has accused Boasberg of overreach.