Appeals Court Backs Trump in Deportation Contempt Case

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A divided federal appeals court sided with the Trump administration on Friday in a high-profile case regarding the president’s use of the Alien Enemies Act in deportation matters. This ruling comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the government’s actions and a lower court judge’s attempts to hold officials accountable.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to reinstate an order from U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who earlier found that there was “probable cause” to hold administration officials in criminal contempt for ignoring his orders to halt deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members. This latest ruling represents another setback for Boasberg’s efforts to sanction those who allegedly defied his authority.

Almost three months ago, a panel of the appeals court reversed Boasberg’s contempt ruling from April. The entire court reaffirmed that decision on Friday. However, the appeals court also indicated that Boasberg could pursue inquiries regarding the officials involved. Three judges noted in their statement, “The district court remains free to require the government to identify the decision makers who directed the potentially contemptuous actions.”

Lee Gelernt, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union representing the migrants involved, expressed optimism following the ruling. He stated, “This allows us to go back before Judge Boasberg and present all of the new evidence from the whistleblower that the government deliberately violated the court’s order not to hand over the Venezuelan men to El Salvador.”

The controversy escalated earlier this year when a former Justice Department lawyer alleged that a top official signaled intentions to disregard judicial orders in favor of a more aggressive deportation strategy. Boasberg has indicated his willingness to investigate those claims should contempt proceedings resume.

Three judges on the appeals court, appointed by Democratic presidents, dissented from the ruling. Judge Florence Pan, appointed by President Biden, criticized the appeals court’s decision as a “meritless appeal” that undermined the district court’s role in checking government actions. Pan remarked, “The district court performed its constitutional duty with unwavering integrity and courage, in the face of undue public criticism.”

Earlier in the case, Boasberg instructed the Trump administration to redirect planes carrying migrants back from deportation to a notorious prison in El Salvador. Despite the court orders, the deportations continued, leading to a situation where the migrants were held for months before being released this summer in a prisoner exchange with Venezuela.