U.S. District Judge James Boasberg grilled Trump administration lawyers over alleged violations of a court order halting deportations under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. The issue arose after over 100 Venezuelans were deported, including suspected members of the Tren de Aragua gang, despite a temporary injunction. Boasberg is considering contempt proceedings and may issue a decision next week.
Boasberg repeatedly questioned Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign about who authorized the deportation flights and whether the government acted in bad faith. The judge expressed skepticism, noting that planes began boarding migrants on March 15 before the court’s order was allegedly communicated. “It seems to me the government acted in bad faith that day,” Boasberg said.
