UPDATE: The U.S. Department of Justice has just announced a misconduct complaint against Chief Judge James Boasberg of the District Court. This unprecedented move comes amid ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the Trump administration over its controversial deportation practices involving Venezuelan migrants.
The complaint, filed on March 11, 2023, accuses Judge Boasberg of making “improper public comments” regarding President Trump and his administration. In a statement, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed her chief of staff, Chad Mizelle, to take this significant step. The allegations stem from Boasberg’s remarks at a recent Judicial Conference, where he warned that the Trump administration could “disregard rulings of federal courts,” potentially leading to a “constitutional crisis.”
This urgent complaint highlights Boasberg’s contentious handling of a case involving alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, who were forcibly deported to El Salvador earlier this year. On March 15, Boasberg ordered the planes carrying these migrants to turn back, responding to the administration’s actions under the Alien Enemies Act. His assertive judicial intervention raises critical questions about due process for those impacted by the administration’s policies.
Mizelle’s complaint points out that Boasberg has pressured the government throughout the case, sometimes allowing less than 48 hours for responses and threatening criminal contempt proceedings against senior officials. Bondi stated on X that the judge’s behavior has “undermined the integrity of the judiciary,” emphasizing the administration’s commitment to uphold judicial respect.
The complaint is now in the hands of Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan of the D.C. Court of Appeals. Typically, such complaints undergo initial review by the appellate chief judge, who will decide whether to dismiss or refer the matter for further investigation. Corrective actions could range from reprimands to limitations on Boasberg’s case assignments. Notably, judges can only be removed through impeachment, requiring a two-thirds Senate vote.
This is not the first instance where the Trump administration has challenged judicial conduct. Earlier this year, a similar complaint was filed against D.C. District Judge Ana Reyes for alleged misconduct during a hearing related to military service policies for transgender individuals.
The backdrop of this complaint underscores a deepening divide between the judiciary and the executive branch, particularly over immigration enforcement and judicial independence. In April, Judge Boasberg indicated there was probable cause to find the Trump administration in criminal contempt for defying his orders regarding Venezuelan migrants.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on the D.C. Circuit Court. Will Judge Boasberg face disciplinary action, or will this complaint be dismissed? This unfolding drama raises profound implications for the balance of power between U.S. federal branches and the future of immigration policies.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent legal battle.