WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department on Friday asked an appeals court to block a contempt investigation of the Trump administration for failing to turn around planes carrying Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador in March. The department also seeks Chief Judge James Boasberg’s removal from the case, citing a growing conflict between the judiciary and the executive branch over court orders that obstruct parts of President Trump's agenda.
The department is urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to make a ruling on these matters prior to a scheduled testimony from a former government attorney, who filed a whistleblower complaint regarding the administration's actions. Officials have accused Boasberg of bias and have argued that the hearing is merely a 'fishing expedition' without genuine effort to uncover facts.
Boasberg, nominated by Barack Obama, believes a recent ruling gives him the authority to pursue the investigation, seeking to determine if there is enough evidence to refer the matter for prosecution. The Trump administration has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the judge’s order was not properly documented in writing.
Venezuelan migrants have been a focal point of controversy, as the government has allegedly sought to expedite their deportation despite court directives blocking such actions. A hearing is set for Monday to address the whistleblower allegations suggesting that top officials might have contemplated ignoring court orders during the deportation process, leading to significant scrutiny of the administration's legal strategies.
Justice officials have expressed concerns that the escalating legal proceedings threaten to create unnecessary tensions between branches of government.
The department is urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to make a ruling on these matters prior to a scheduled testimony from a former government attorney, who filed a whistleblower complaint regarding the administration's actions. Officials have accused Boasberg of bias and have argued that the hearing is merely a 'fishing expedition' without genuine effort to uncover facts.
Boasberg, nominated by Barack Obama, believes a recent ruling gives him the authority to pursue the investigation, seeking to determine if there is enough evidence to refer the matter for prosecution. The Trump administration has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the judge’s order was not properly documented in writing.
Venezuelan migrants have been a focal point of controversy, as the government has allegedly sought to expedite their deportation despite court directives blocking such actions. A hearing is set for Monday to address the whistleblower allegations suggesting that top officials might have contemplated ignoring court orders during the deportation process, leading to significant scrutiny of the administration's legal strategies.
Justice officials have expressed concerns that the escalating legal proceedings threaten to create unnecessary tensions between branches of government.
