New York, 17 April (H.S.): A US District Judge, James Boasberg, has ruled there is “probable cause” to hold Donald Trump's administration in criminal contempt for ignoring his order halting deportation flights to El Salvador. The judge stated that the administration exhibited “willful disregard” for his March 15 ruling, which mandated that alleged Venezuelan gang members could not be deported under an 18th-century law without an opportunity to challenge their removal.

Boasberg's 46-page ruling indicated that the government's actions justified a probable cause finding for contempt. He noted that the court had provided the defendants ample opportunity to address their actions but found their responses unsatisfactory. However, the administration may still avoid contempt by allowing deportees to contest their removals in court.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung announced that they would appeal the ruling, emphasizing Trump’s commitment to ensuring safety from criminal illegal migrants. The ruling marks the closest a court has come to suggesting punishment for Trump officials over deportation flights. The administration has deported 238 individuals it claims are linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to a maximum-security facility in El Salvador. Critics argue the use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act is inappropriate, as the country is not currently under invasion.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar