Chief Judge James Boasberg of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia has ruled that there is probable cause to hold officials from President Donald Trump's administration in criminal contempt. The ruling stems from the administration’s continued invocation of the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang from Venezuela to El Salvador, despite a prior court order prohibiting such action.

In a strongly worded statement issued Wednesday, Boasberg noted, “The Court does not reach such conclusion lightly or hastily; indeed, it has given Defendants ample opportunity to rectify or explain their actions. None of their responses has been satisfactory.”

Boasberg added that the Department of Justice (DoJ) may still contact him to provide further clarification regarding the administration’s actions before he determines whether to proceed with criminal contempt charges. The judge emphasized that the court had exercised restraint and offered multiple chances for compliance before reaching this stage.

The controversy centers on two flights that deported individuals alleged to be affiliated with the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua. These deportations were carried out under the authority of the Alien Enemies Act, a law originally enacted in 1798 and revived under Trump’s immigration strategy to target individuals considered threats to national security.

Despite the ongoing legal challenge and Boasberg’s previous order to halt such deportations, the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) has permitted President Trump to continue with the policy. The decision from the high court effectively greenlights further removals while legal proceedings unfold.

The potential contempt finding highlights tensions between the executive branch and federal judiciary regarding the scope of immigration enforcement powers. Critics argue that the use of the Alien Enemies Act in this context oversteps legal boundaries, while supporters of the Trump administration assert that the actions are necessary to safeguard national security.

As the situation evolves, the Justice Department’s response may determine whether contempt proceedings will move forward. Judge Boasberg’s decision marks a significant legal challenge to the Trump administration’s approach to deportations and underscores the constitutional scrutiny facing presidential authority in immigration matters.