Federal judge threatens contempt proceedings against Trump administration over deportations

The legal battle between the Trump administration and federal courts over immigration policy has reached a new flashpoint.

(NBC)- The legal battle between the Trump administration and federal courts over immigration policy has reached a new flashpoint. A federal judge is threatening to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against the administration for allegedly ignoring a court order to halt deportation flights to a mega prison in El Salvador. The judge insists migrants must be given hearings to challenge allegations against them before removal. Judge James Boasberg made his stance clear, writing, “The Constitution does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial orders.”

The White House appealed the decision overnight and released new details about one of the deported individuals, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Justice Department officials admitted Garcia was deported in error due to an administrative mishap. The Supreme Court has since ordered the administration to “facilitate” his return, though U.S. officials argue El Salvador must take the first step by initiating his release.

Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the deportation, claiming Garcia is a known MS-13 member. “All that would happen is one more step in paperwork, and he would go right back to El Salvador,” Bondi said.

The Justice Department also released a 2019 document indicating that Maryland police tied Garcia to the gang based on a tip from what they called a reliable informant. Garcia’s attorneys dispute the claim, denying any gang involvement. Notably, Garcia has never been criminally charged. Garcia had been living with his family in Maryland before his deportation. This week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) traveled to El Salvador and said he appealed directly to the country’s vice president for Garcia’s release.

According to Van Hollen, the vice president responded that the Trump administration is paying El Salvador to keep Garcia detained at the CECOT mega prison. Van Hollen is among a growing number of lawmakers demanding that Garcia, and others in similar circumstances, be granted a fair hearing in U.S. courts.