Appeals Court Hears Arguments on Trump Administration Contempt Probe

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit heard oral arguments on September 29 regarding whether U.S. District Judge James Boasberg may continue a criminal contempt probe into the Trump administration. The inquiry focuses on whether officials willfully violated a March 15, 2025, order that blocked the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador.

The United States Department of Justice argues the probe is unlawful and unnecessary, asserting that judges lack the authority to investigate crimes. Attorney Brett Shumate claimed the district court judge exceeded his judicial role and purported to investigate matters outside his authority. The government maintains it complied with the original court order.

Conversely, the American Civil Liberties Union argues the administration acted in bad faith, resulting in the barbaric treatment of migrants at El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center. Lawyer Lee Gelernt stated that the administration's actions were egregious and disrespectful to the judiciary, warning that failing to uphold the district court's actions would send a horrible message.

While a three-judge panel previously blocked the probe in April, the full 11-judge court is now rehearing the case. During arguments, several judges expressed skepticism toward the government's position, questioning if the executive branch can ignore judicial orders with impunity.