Appeals Court Halts Contempt Probe on Venezuelan Deportations

A federal appeals court in Washington ended criminal contempt proceedings against Trump administration officials on Tuesday, blocking U.S. District Judge James Boasberg's inquiry into two deportation flights. Judge Neomi Rao, writing for the two-judge majority on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, declared the proceedings "a clear abuse of discretion" that encroached on executive branch autonomy. This decision shields officials like former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from potential prosecution, affecting how courts oversee immigration enforcement and potentially limiting challenges to deportation policies that impact migrant rights.

Boasberg launched his contempt inquiry after accusing the government of defying his March 2025 order to turn around planes carrying Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. The flights involved 137 Venezuelan nationals, whom the Trump administration accused of ties to the Tren de Aragua gang under the Alien Enemies Act. Government lawyers identified Noem as the official responsible for the transfer decision, noting the planes had already left U.S. airspace when Boasberg issued his directive.

Rao, joined by Judge Justin Walker, argued that Boasberg's order lacked the clarity needed for criminal contempt, as it did not specifically bar transferring migrants to Salvadoran custody. The majority highlighted separation of powers concerns, stating the probe risked exposing executive deliberations on national security matters like gang-related deportations. In dissent, Judge J. Michelle Childs countered that halting the inquiry overstepped the appeals court's role, emphasizing the need for fact-finding to enforce court orders and preserve the rule of law.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the ruling on social media, saying it would end Boasberg's "year-long campaign against the hardworking Department attorneys." Lee Gelernt, a lawyer with the ACLU representing the Venezuelan migrants, criticized the decision as "a blow to the rule of law," pointing to evidence that the administration willfully violated Boasberg's order. These responses underscore the divide between government defenders and migrant advocates over the enforcement of court directives in immigration cases.

Boasberg previously ordered the return of certain Venezuelan migrants removed to El Salvador, a directive the Justice Department has appealed. The D.C. Circuit had earlier granted the Trump administration relief in August 2025, setting aside Boasberg's probable cause finding on contempt. This latest ruling leaves migrants like the 137 deported individuals without immediate recourse, as it blocks further probes into official actions during the Alien Enemies Act deportations.