Appeals Court Overturns Contempt in Migrant Deportations

A divided D.C. Circuit Court overturned a lower court's contempt finding against Trump administration officials for deporting Venezuelan migrants, including alleged gang members, under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. The administration was accused of defying U.S. District Judge James Boasberg's order to halt deportations and return planes, sending deportees to a high-security prison in El Salvador without allowing them to challenge their removal in court. The 2-1 decision, with Trump appointees Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao in the majority and Cornelia Pillard dissenting, found that the contempt order improperly intruded on core executive functions such as foreign policy and law enforcement. Critics say the administration's actions show a disregard for judicial authority, while supporters argue the ruling curbs excessive judicial intervention in executive affairs. The decision blocks further legal or disciplinary action against the officials and lawyers. The case highlights persistent tensions between the judiciary and executive branches over immigration enforcement and the separation of powers.