A federal judge has found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in contempt over deportations to El Salvador, citing “willful disregard” for his judicial orders. Judge James Boasberg delivered a sharp rebuke to the administration, stating, “The Constitution does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial orders — especially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it.”
The contempt finding stems from the administration’s handling of deportations to El Salvador, specifically in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Judge Boasberg warned that the administration could potentially face criminal contempt charges for violating his previous orders regarding such deportations.
The Trump administration has claimed that Abrego Garcia has ties to the MS-13 gang, allegations that his legal representatives strongly dispute. This case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the executive branch over immigration enforcement policies.
Senator Chris Van Hollen’s trip to El Salvador, where he advocated for Abrego Garcia’s return to the United States, drew sharp criticism from the White House. “It’s appalling and sad that Senator Van Hollen and the Democrats are plotting his trip to El Salvador today, are incapable of having any shred of common sense or empathy for their own constituents in our citizens,” a White House spokesperson said.
The judge’s finding represents a significant legal challenge to the administration’s deportation practices. Boasberg’s strong language regarding “willful disobedience” indicates the seriousness with which the court views these violations of judicial authority.
Legal experts note that contempt findings against federal administrations are relatively rare and underscore the growing tension between the judicial branch’s authority and executive immigration policies. The case continues to develop as the administration must now respond to these serious allegations of constitutional overreach.