Judge Holds Trump Team in Contempt Over Deportations

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for willfully defying his order to halt deportations under the Alien Enemies Act and to return planes carrying Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. The judge criticized the administration for quickly deporting over 100 alleged gang members before they could challenge their removals in court. Boasberg gave officials until April 23 to rectify their actions or face further proceedings, including possible prosecution of those responsible. The administration argued that the planes had already left U.S. airspace and that the judge's verbal order was not binding, while the Justice Department accused Boasberg of overstepping his authority. The Supreme Court has since lifted Boasberg's restraining order, but contempt proceedings may still continue. The case highlights the ongoing power struggle between the judiciary and executive branches over wartime powers and deportation without due process.