The U.S. Department of Justice filed a formal misconduct complaint on Monday against U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, calling for his removal from a high-profile deportation case and urging disciplinary action over comments allegedly made during a private judicial meeting.
The complaint, signed by Justice Department Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle, accuses Boasberg of undermining public confidence in the judiciary and breaching ethical standards.
“Judge Boasberg’s actions have harmed the integrity and public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary,” Mizelle stated in the five-page document, obtained by The Hill.
Controversial Comments at Judicial Conference Spark Complaint
Alleged Remarks Feared “Constitutional Crisis” Under Trump Administration
The complaint stems from comments Boasberg reportedly made at a March 11 meeting of the Judicial Conference—the policymaking body of the federal judiciary. According to The Federalist, Boasberg expressed concerns that the Trump administration might disregard federal court rulings, potentially triggering a constitutional crisis.
The Justice Department argues that such remarks violate the judicial code of conduct, which prohibits judges from commenting on matters pending before the courts.
“These comments have undermined the integrity of the judiciary, and we will not stand for that,” Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Boasberg Faces Heat Over Deportation Case Involving Venezuelan Migrants
Contempt Motion and Travel Blockade Escalate Tensions
Judge Boasberg, an Obama appointee, has already drawn scrutiny from Trump and his allies over his handling of a case challenging the president’s use of the Alien Enemies Act. In March, Trump invoked the law to justify the expedited deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador.
Shortly after the March 11 Judicial Conference, Boasberg was assigned to the case and issued a ruling to halt deportation flights mid-air, directing planes to turn around. That ruling was later lifted by the U.S. Supreme Court, which found the plaintiffs had sued in the wrong jurisdiction.
Boasberg has since accused the administration of deliberately violating his ruling, moving toward contempt proceedings—though those have been on hold due to a pending appeal.
Complaint Referred to D.C. Circuit Chief Judge
Options Range from Dismissal to Impeachment Recommendation
The misconduct complaint has been submitted to Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Under federal law, Srinivasan can either dismiss the complaint, determine that corrective action has already been taken, or appoint a committee to conduct further investigation.
The Justice Department’s filing calls for Boasberg’s immediate removal from the case and suggests that a public reprimand or even impeachment could be warranted if the inquiry finds willful misconduct.
“Swift, visible action will reinforce the judiciary’s institutional integrity by showing that judges are held to the same standards they enforce,” Mizelle wrote.
A spokesperson for the court has confirmed that The Hill has requested comment from Judge Boasberg, but none has been issued at this time.