The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit handed President Donald Trump a legal victory Friday, ruling 2-1 that U.S. District Judge James Boasberg cannot move forward with possible criminal contempt proceedings against the administration.
The case stems from Boasberg’s March order blocking the administration from using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. Despite the order, more than 250 migrants were flown to the Salvadoran maximum-security prison CECOT, and remained there until a recent U.S.-Venezuela prisoner swap.
Trump Judges Side with Administration
Trump-appointed Judges Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao formed the majority on the Democrat-heavy court, stopping Boasberg’s contempt effort. Obama appointee Nina Pillard dissented.
Writing for the court, Katsas acknowledged the emergency nature of Boasberg’s original ruling but said ambiguity in the order meant the administration’s actions “clearly and indisputably were not criminal.”
The ruling does not address the broader legality of Trump’s March deportations under the Alien Enemies Act — a statute last used in World War II — but it blocks Boasberg’s most aggressive move yet against the president.
Judge Boasberg’s History with Trump
Boasberg has emerged as one of Trump’s biggest judicial adversaries, repeatedly clashing with the administration over immigration enforcement. In April, he accused the administration of “willful disregard” for his order and said there was probable cause to pursue criminal contempt.
The appeals court had already granted Trump’s team an emergency stay months ago, delaying Boasberg’s move until Friday’s final decision.
Next Steps Likely Headed to Supreme Court
The decision will almost certainly be appealed to the full D.C. Circuit — where Democrats hold the majority — or directly to the Supreme Court.
In the meantime, the ruling marks a major procedural win for Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, which have faced constant legal challenges from activist judges and open-borders groups.
