Judge says Trump administration officials could face criminal contempt prosecution over Venezuela deportations

A US federal judge has found probable cause to hold officials in US President Donald Trump's administration in criminal contempt of court for violating a judicial order halting the deportations of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act.

US District Judge James E Boasberg, in a written ruling on Wednesday, said the administration showed a “willful disregard” for his March 15 order that temporarily halted the deportation of Venezuelan nationals, some of whom were being removed to El Salvador under claims of gang affiliation.

Despite the court’s directive, two planes carrying the migrants proceeded with the deportations and did not return the individuals to US custody.