A federal judge in the United States has called for testimony from a former Justice Department lawyer in an inquiry connected to the deportation of Venezuelan migrants. The case could result in criminal contempt referrals against officials from the Trump administration.
Judge James E. Boasberg said he wants to hear from Erez Reuveni, a former Justice Department attorney who later became a whistleblower. The inquiry is examining whether senior officials ignored a court order related to migrant removal flights.
At the centre of the case are two aircraft carrying Venezuelan detainees that were reportedly allowed to continue to El Salvador despite a temporary court order blocking the flights. The judge is now investigating whether that order was knowingly disobeyed.
The inquiry could lead to criminal contempt charges if the court finds that officials deliberately violated judicial instructions. Such referrals would be highly unusual and carry serious legal consequences.
Why is this testimony important? Reuveni is believed to have inside knowledge of how decisions were made within the Justice Department at the time, which could help clarify whether officials acted lawfully.
The case highlights ongoing legal scrutiny of migration enforcement actions taken during the Trump administration, particularly those involving fast-track deportations and executive decisions.
Judge Boasberg said the court needs a full account of events to determine accountability and uphold the authority of the judiciary. Further hearings are expected as the inquiry continues.