Judge threatens contempt charge as Trump admin defies court
A federal judge in the US has warned that he may charge the Trump administration with contempt of court for violating his order regarding deportations to El Salvador.
Judge James E. Boasberg stated that he found "probable grounds" to hold the Trump administration in contempt of court and warned that he might refer the matter to the prosecutor's office if it is not "cleared" of the contempt charge.
The judge suggested that the administration could rectify the situation by bringing back to the US those who were sent to prison in El Salvador, which violated the court order. This would allow them to exercise their right to challenge their deportations.
"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 judge wrote.
If the Department of Justice refuses to prosecute this case, Judge Boasberg announced that he would appoint another attorney to handle the contempt of court proceedings.
The Trump administration admits the mistake but claims it can do nothing
Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who holds a protective immigration status in the US, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, where he ended up in the brutal CECOT prison.
Abrego Garcia's family filed a lawsuit, demanding that the US request his return.
According to the lawsuit, the government put Mr. Abrego Garcia on a flight to El Salvador without any lawful justification.
The Trump administration argues, however, that since Abrego Garcia is no longer under U.S. jurisdiction, the court cannot issue an order regarding his detention and release.
