Justice Dept. Dares Anti-Trump Judge to Hold Admin Officials In Contempt
The Justice Department said it has shared all information about deportation flights to El Salvador. Officials told U.S. District Judge James Boasberg to pursue contempt proceedings if necessary.
Deportation Flights to El Salvador Spark Legal Dispute
The department said the information provided about the deportation flights to El Salvador is complete. Therefore, officials said the judge should move forward with criminal contempt proceedings if dissatisfied.
Additionally, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said under oath she ordered the flights to continue. She acted despite what Judge Boasberg viewed as clear instructions to halt them.
Officials Defend Decisions on Deportation Flights to El Salvador
Two senior lawyers said they advised Noem but declined to disclose details. However, Justice Department attorney Tiberius Davis argued the judge’s order was unclear.
He said officials believe Noem did not intentionally defy the court. Therefore, Davis said the judge should pursue a criminal referral rather than compel testimony.
Migrant Flights and Legal Authority
The dispute centers on flights carrying Venezuelan migrants and Salvadorans to El Salvador on March 15. The government said the Venezuelans were members of Tren de Aragua.
Officials deported the Venezuelans under the Alien Enemies Act. This law allowed authorities to bypass standard immigration procedures.
Questions Over Court Orders and Flights
The administration said two planes were already airborne when the judge issued his order. Officials argued the migrants had technically left the country before the directive.
A third plane departed later but followed standard immigration law. Therefore, the Justice Department said the ruling did not apply to that flight.
Testimony and Contempt Considerations
The Supreme Court later ruled that Judge Boasberg lacked jurisdiction over the flights. However, the judge said the ruling did not erase concerns about possible defiance.
Meanwhile, lawyers for the migrants want testimony from Emil Bove and Erez Reuveni. Judge Boasberg said he may seek written declarations from those involved in the decision.
