Chicago – April 14, 2026
A federal appeals court on Tuesday ordered U.S. District Judge James Boasberg to end his criminal contempt inquiry into Trump administration officials over deportation flights that carried Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador in March 2025. The divided ruling said Boasberg exceeded his authority by continuing the probe after his order to halt the flights was ignored, according to court filings and reporting from Reuters and the AP.
The case stems from President Donald Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to speed deportations of alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Boasberg had earlier found probable cause to consider criminal contempt, saying the administration showed “willful disregard” for his directive to stop the flights.
In April 2025, the judge said the government had ample chance to justify its conduct but found its explanations unsatisfactory. The appeals court’s latest decision marks a significant legal win for the Trump administration, which argued the district court intruded on executive powers.
Court observers say the ruling sharply narrows Boasberg’s ability to pursue sanctions or further testimony in the matter.
