DC Circuit grapples with allowing Boasberg to continue contempt inquiry

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.”

DC Circuit grapples with allowing Boasberg to continue contempt inquiry

TL;DR

  • A federal appeals court debated Judge James Boasberg's authority to investigate Trump administration officials for criminal contempt.
  • The inquiry concerns alleged violations of an order to halt the deportation of Venezuelans to El Salvador.
  • The Justice Department argues the judge's investigation is unlawful and infringes on prosecutorial roles.
  • The ACLU supports the continuation of the contempt inquiry.
  • A ruling on whether the inquiry can proceed is expected in the coming months.