JUST IN: Trump Administration Scores Big Win As Federal Court OVERTURNS Rogue Judge Boasberg’s Ruling

A significant victory for the Trump administration unfolded this week as a federal appeals court overturned a contempt ruling issued by Judge James Boasberg. The case centers on the administration’s deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act in March—a controversial move that proceeded despite Boasberg’s emergency order to halt those flights. The court’s ruling effectively vacated the lower court’s finding of probable cause and halted the contempt proceedings.

The original contempt finding came after the administration forcibly deported alleged gang members from Venezuela to a prison in El Salvador, even as Boasberg demanded the removal stop and those already in flight be returned. The judge characterized this as a willful defiance of judicial authority.

In a sharply split decision, the D.C. Circuit appeals panel sided with the administration. Judges Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao—both Trump appointees—argued that Boasberg’s initial order was ambiguous and potentially outside his jurisdiction. Katsas warned that allowing contempt proceedings in such cases risks overstepping judicial authority into core executive responsibilities like foreign policy and law enforcement. Rao similarly critiqued Boasberg for exceeding his bounds.

Adding context, Judge Cornelia Pillard dissented fiercely. She warned that dismissing the contempt finding undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for executive noncompliance with court orders.

Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the ruling as a “MAJOR victory,” echoing the administration’s stance that Boasberg’s contempt inquiry was an example of judicial overreach.

The court’s decision comes at a pivotal moment, highlighting long-standing tensions between branches of government over immigration enforcement and executive power. It underscores the potential limits of judicial reach when it comes to prior restraints on executive action—especially regarding the sensitive intersection of immigration and foreign policy.