WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department on Friday asked an appeals court to block a contempt investigation of the Trump administration for failing to adhere to directives concerning Venezuelan migrants, specifically concerning the repatriation efforts to El Salvador.
Furthermore, the department is aiming for the removal of Chief Judge James Boasberg from the case, amid claims that the proceedings have become a point of contention between the judiciary and the Trump administration over compliance with court rulings.
The DOJ is urging the D.C. Circuit to act swiftly, ideally before a scheduled hearing on Monday, during which Boasberg is expected to hear testimony from a former government attorney who filed a whistleblower complaint against the department.
Justice officials argue that Boasberg's approach risks undermining the separation of powers and has described the upcoming inquiries as a prolonged and unfounded pursuit of witnesses.
Judge Boasberg, nominated by former President Barack Obama, contends that he is legally permitted to advance the contempt investigation according to a recent appeals court ruling. His inquiry aims to ascertain whether sufficient evidence exists to recommend prosecution in this matter.
This latest development arises from allegations that the Trump administration might have acted in bad faith by attempting to expedite the deportation of Venezuelan migrants, in possible violation of Boasberg’s directives.
The Trump administration has refuted allegations of wrongdoing and maintains that the judge's directives regarding the deportation planes were not formally documented in his written orders.
The upcoming hearings will also feature testimony from Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign, who is expected to clarify the communication of Boasberg's orders to the Department of Homeland Security. Justice Department officials have called for a cessation of what they characterize as a needless escalation of conflict between branches of government regarding this issue.
