• A federal judge found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for violating orders on deportations.
• The ruling relates to flights carrying Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act, which were sent to El Salvador despite a court order.
• Judge James Boasberg criticized the administration's "willful disregard" for judicial orders and warned of potential prosecutions.
• The judge directed the administration to provide details or rectify the situation by April 23.
• The contempt proceedings stem from escalating conflicts between the executive and judicial branches over immigration policies.

A U.S. federal judge has determined there is probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for disregarding his orders related to the deportation of Venezuelan migrants. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg ruled that the administration exhibited a "willful disregard" for a court order barring the deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act, which led to the removal of over 200 alleged gang members to El Salvador, according to The New York Times.

In his decision, Boasberg stated, "The Constitution does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial orders — especially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it." He emphasized that allowing such actions would undermine the rule of law, making a "solemn mockery" of constitutional principles, as reported by ABC News.

When notified that several deportation flights were en route, Judge Boasberg had ordered the Trump administration to return the migrants to U.S. custody to allow them the opportunity to challenge their removals. This court order was ignored, which the judge criticized as a failure and a deliberate act against the judiciary, according to CBS News.

Boasberg's ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing tension between the Trump administration's policies on immigration and judicial oversight. He has called for explanations from the administration regarding who was responsible for ignoring his orders, threatening legal consequences if compliance is not achieved by April 23, as highlighted by HuffPost.

In light of this ruling, the administration is under pressure to provide not just an explanation but also to take corrective action, such as asserting custody over the deportees who were removed in violation of his orders. Failure to do so could lead to formal contempt proceedings, which could involve fines or imprisonment, according to Forbes.

This case has drawn attention as it illustrates the broader struggle between presidential authority and judicial power regarding immigration policy, further complicated by the Supreme Court's recent decisions related to the administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act, reports Los Angeles Times.