Federal Appeals Court Dismisses Judicial Misconduct Complaint Against U.S. District Judge James Boasberg
A federal appeals court judge has dismissed a judicial misconduct complaint filed by the Justice Department against U.S. District Judge James Boasberg. The complaint alleged that Boasberg made improper public comments about President Trump and his administration during a closed-door meeting of judges. The Justice Department failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the allegations, according to the chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit.
The complaint, filed by Chad Mizelle, then-chief of staff to Attorney General Pam Bondi, claimed that Boasberg expressed concerns about the Trump administration potentially disregarding federal court rulings, leading to a constitutional crisis. The complaint also cited Boasberg's handling of a case involving the swift deportation of Venezuelan migrants using the Alien Enemies Act.
Judge Jeffrey Sutton criticized the Justice Department for not providing specific details about Boasberg's alleged statement and the source of the information. The complaint lacked essential information about when and where the statement was made, as well as the context in which it was expressed. Sutton emphasized the importance of corroborating allegations with credible sources.
Meetings of the Judicial Conference, where Boasberg's alleged comment was reportedly made, are intended to facilitate candid conversations among judges. Sutton found that expressing concerns about executive-branch compliance with judicial orders is within the scope of customary topics discussed at these meetings. He concluded that Boasberg's alleged comment did not violate the Codes of Judicial Conduct.
The complaint was initially filed with Judge Sri Srinivasan but was transferred to the 6th Circuit's Judicial Council by Chief Justice John Roberts due to appellate challenges to Boasberg's rulings. Boasberg had faced criticism from top administration officials and President Trump for his decisions in the legal battle over the Alien Enemies Act and the removal of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador.
Boasberg had ordered the Trump administration to halt the removal of alleged gang members to El Salvador, citing probable cause for criminal contempt. Despite calls for his impeachment, it is unlikely to happen. The Justice Department has also filed a judicial misconduct complaint against U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes for alleged hostile and egregious misconduct during a hearing.