DC Circuit grapples with allowing Boasberg to continue contempt
This story raises questions about governance, accountability, and American values.
A federal judge is trying to hold Trump administration officials in contempt for carrying out a deportation. That alone tells you something is off. Judge James Boasberg, an Obama appointee, is pushing a criminal inquiry over last year's removal of Venezuelans to El Salvador.
New Republican Times Editorial Board
A federal appeals court weighed on Tuesday whether to allow U.S. District Judge James Boasberg to move forward with a criminal contempt inquiry into Trump administration officials over last year’s deportations of Venezuelans to El Salvador, as Justice Department lawyers allege the judge’s investigation is “unlawful.” Boasberg, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, has […]
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New Republican Times Editorial Board
A federal judge is trying to hold Trump administration officials in contempt for carrying out a deportation. That alone tells you something is off. Judge James Boasberg, an Obama appointee, is pushing a criminal inquiry over last year's removal of Venezuelans to El Salvador. The Justice Department calls it unlawful. They have a point.
These were not random migrants. They were alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a gang responsible for violence across the hemisphere. The administration used the Alien Enemies Act. Boasberg wanted the planes turned around. When they didn't turn, he opened a contempt case against officials trying to do their jobs. That is judicial overreach.
The DC Circuit heard arguments Tuesday and has a chance to end this. Contempt exists for when someone defies a court order. It should not be used to punish policy choices a judge disagrees with. If this continues, a single judge can paralyze the executive branch. The appeals court should shut this down. Let the president enforce the law.
Commentary written with AI assistance by the New Republican Times Editorial Board.