The DC Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily halted Judge Boasberg’s contempt order against officials from the Trump Administration. This significant decision was made on Friday, showcasing a united front of justice, with a three-judge panel comprising judges Pillard (appointed by Obama), Katsas, and Rao (both appointed by Trump).
Pillard expressed her dissent, noting she would not have issued the administrative stay. The appeals court’s order reads, “ORDERED, on the court’s own motion, that the district court’s contempt-related order entered on April 16, 2025, be administratively stayed pending further order of the court. The purpose of this administrative stay is to give the court sufficient opportunity to consider the emergency motion for a stay pending appeal or a writ of mandamus and should not be construed in any way as a ruling on the merits of that motion.”
The controversy arose when Judge James Boasberg found probable cause to hold the Trump Administration in criminal contempt. This was due to their refusal to comply with his directive to reroute planes transporting dangerous Venezuelan gang members. In a detailed 46-page opinion, Judge Boasberg accused the administration of willful defiance, which he equates to criminal contempt. He further intimated his intentions to appoint a prosecutor if the administration failed to act.
BOASBERG said the evidence shows willful defiance by the Trump administration that amounts to criminal contempt. Full 46-page opinion: https://t.co/JEbMZ5HDOC https://t.co/iY2GOEeiCJ
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney)
April 16, 2025
Judge Boasberg’s previous actions included granting a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent the deportation of thousands of Venezuelan nationals believed to be part of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang under the Alien Enemies Act.
This month, the US Supreme Court vacated Boasberg’s orders which had stopped the Trump Administration from deporting these gang members, citing his lack of jurisdiction. However, the Supreme Court mandated that the Administration provide reasonable notice allowing gang members the chance to legally contest their deportations.
The DC Circuit Court has demanded that the appellees present their responses by next Wednesday, with any replies due by the subsequent Friday. As the wheels of justice continue to turn, the patriot spirit of standing firm in the face of challenges remains unwavering.
