Judge Finds Cause To Hold Trump Administration In Criminal Contempt For Violating Deportation Order

A federal judge on Wednesday said he has found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt of court for violating his orders to turn around planes carrying deportees to El Salvador.

U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg warned he could refer the matter for prosecution if the administration does not "purge" its contempt. Boasberg said the administration could do so by returning to U.S. custody those who were sent to the El Salvador prison in violation of his order so that they "might avail themselves of their right to challenge their removability."

If the Justice Department declines to prosecute the matter, Boasberg said he will appoint another attorney to prosecute the contempt.

"The Constitution does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial orders - especially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it," Boasberg wrote.

It marks an escalation in a battle between the judicial and executives branches of government over a president's powers to carry out key White House priorities. The Republican president has called for Boasberg's impeachment while the Justice Department has accused the judge of overstepping his authority.