Federal Judge Threatens Contempt Proceedings Against Trump Administration Over Defiant Deportation Flights

In a significant escalation of tensions between the judiciary and the executive branch, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for defying a court order to halt deportation flights to El Salvador. The administration proceeded with the deportations, including that of Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia, despite Boasberg's explicit directive to return the planes mid-flight.

Judge Boasberg's order aimed to prevent the deportation of individuals under the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely invoked 1798 law. The. . .