In brief
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, led by Chief Judge Jeffrey S. Sutton, dismissed a misconduct complaint against Judge James E. Boasberg after the Justice Department failed to provide sufficient evidence. The complaint arose from comments Boasberg allegedly made about the Trump administration's actions regarding deportations. Sutton noted that even if Boasberg's comments were made, they did not constitute a violation of ethics rules.
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court judge has dismissed a misconduct complaint filed by the Justice Department against a judge who clashed with President Donald Trump’s administration over deportations to a notorious prison in El Salvador.
The complaint against U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg was dismissed on Dec. 19 by Jeffrey S. Sutton, chief judge of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but the order came to light this weekend.
The complaint stemmed from remarks Boasberg allegedly made in March 2025 at a judicial conference, expressing concern that the administration would instigate a constitutional crisis by ignoring federal court rulings. This occurred just before he blocked deportation flights under wartime authorities.
In the dismissal order, Sutton stated the Justice Department failed to provide a supporting attachment to substantiate the claim of what Boasberg said or the context of those remarks.
Sutton criticized the complaint, noting that unverified allegations do not support a valid misconduct claim. He emphasized that if Boasberg did make the comments, they would not stray far from appropriate discussion topics and wouldn't breach ethical standards.
Spokespeople for both the Justice Department and Boasberg’s court did not immediately respond for comments.
The misconduct complaint was filed with Judge Sri Srinivasan, who transferred it to the 6th Circuit due to ongoing related appeals.
