Federal Judge Finds Probable Cause to Hold Trump in Contempt Over Deportation Flights
On April 16, 2025, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg found probable cause to hold former President Donald Trump in criminal contempt for violating a court order halting deportation flights. The judge had previously issued an emergency injunction blocking the Trump administration from carrying out deportations under the rarely used 1798 Alien Enemies Act, particularly targeting Venezuelan migrants alleged to be linked to the Tren de Aragua gang.
Despite the judge’s explicit order to stop the flights and return any already in transit, at least two planes departed from Texas and continued to El Salvador. The deportees were subsequently held in CECOT, a maximum-security prison in El Salvador known for harsh conditions.
Judge Boasberg condemned what he called the administration’s “willful disregard” for the judiciary’s authority. He warned that unless the violation is addressed, contempt proceedings could move forward—potentially leading to fines or other legal consequences for those responsible.
The situation has sparked a broader debate about executive overreach, immigration enforcement, and the balance of power between the branches of government. The Trump legal team is expected to appeal, but Boasberg emphasized that defiance of judicial orders by elected officials cannot go unchecked.
