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The Department of Justice has filed a formal misconduct complaint against U.S. District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg, accusing him of making improper public remarks about President Donald Trump and undermining judicial neutrality in a high-profile immigration case.
The complaint, submitted by DOJ Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle on behalf of Attorney General Pam Bondi, was addressed to Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Fox News first reported on the document, which was filed under Bondi’s direction.
“The Department of Justice respectfully submits this complaint alleging misconduct by U.S. District Court Chief Judge James E. Boasberg for making improper public comments about President Donald J. Trump to the Chief Justice of the United States and other federal judges that have undermined the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary,” the complaint states.
Judge Boasberg is currently presiding over J.G.G. v. Trump, a case involving the deportation of Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act. The DOJ claims Boasberg has shown bias through both his words and judicial actions, particularly following a March 11 session of the Judicial Conference of the United States.
According to the complaint, during that session Boasberg warned Chief Justice John Roberts and other federal judges that the Trump administration would likely “disregard rulings of federal courts” and trigger a “constitutional crisis.” The DOJ argues those comments were not only inappropriate but lacked any factual basis.
“Although his comments would be inappropriate even if they had some basis, they were even worse because Judge Boasberg had no basis,” the complaint reads. It adds that the administration has complied with all court orders and that Boasberg failed to cite any violations to support his prediction.
The filing also cites Boasberg’s subsequent judicial decisions as evidence of bias. It references his temporary restraining order that blocked the deportation of Tren de Aragua gang members, which the Supreme Court later vacated. DOJ officials argue this action was part of a pattern based on his stated belief that the administration would not follow court rulings.
The Justice Department is requesting that Chief Judge Srinivasan refer the complaint to a special investigative committee. It also asks that Boasberg be removed from the deportation case “to prevent further erosion of public confidence while the investigation proceeds.”