Judge Considers Disciplinary Action Against DOJ Lawyers in Venezuelan Deportations Case
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg announced he may initiate disciplinary proceedings against Department of Justice (DOJ) attorneys involved in a lawsuit concerning Venezuelan migrants. The lawsuit accuses the DOJ of unlawfully deporting these individuals to a prison in El Salvador. Boasberg, known for his contentious relationship with former President Donald Trump, stated that a recent whistleblower complaint bolsters claims of possible criminal contempt of court against the Trump administration for their actions surrounding deportation flights.
During a court session, Boasberg indicated he is contemplating referring the DOJ lawyers to state bar associations, which oversee attorney conduct. He expressed concern over their veracity and professionalism, questioning whether their actions merit further scrutiny. As part of the case under review, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) represents several alleged Venezuelan gang members deported under the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act. The migrants contend that they were not given an opportunity to contest their alleged gang ties before being sent to El Salvador’s Cecot prison.
Boasberg highlighted that the Trump administration appeared to act in bad faith, hastily organizing deportation flights while emergency court proceedings were ongoing. DOJ lawyers, however, rejected claims of disobedience to court orders, suggesting that Boasberg’s remarks lacked legal authority.
The situation has been complicated by the appeals court’s temporary pause on further investigations into alleged contempt by the Trump administration. The case has garnered attention as a whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, claimed DOJ leadership disregarded court orders concerning the defendants’ deportations. Amid these developments, Attorney General Pam Bondi labeled Reuveni as a “disgruntled employee” responding to widespread allegations of misconduct.
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