The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a formal complaint against U.S. District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg, alleging misconduct that undermines judicial integrity. This complaint, directed by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle, has been presented to Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The complaint claims that Boasberg made improper public comments regarding President Trump to other federal judges, which reportedly compromise the neutrality of the judiciary. These allegations coincide with Boasberg’s involvement in significant cases related to immigration and deportation, particularly involving migrants from El Salvador.
Specifically, the DOJ contends that Judge Boasberg deviated from standard discussions during a Judicial Conference meeting on March 11, 2025. In an inappropriate departure from administrative topics like budgets and facilities, Boasberg expressed concerns that the Trump administration would not comply with court rulings, suggesting this could lead to a “constitutional crisis.” Such proclamations were criticized as baseless and damaging to public confidence. Following his statements, Judge Boasberg purportedly began acting on this preconceived notion, which culminated in a temporary restraining order aimed at halting the deportation of violent individuals associated with the Tren de Aragua gang—a move that the Supreme Court later reversed.
In light of these issues, the complaint urges Chief Judge Srinivasan to assign the matter to a special investigative committee, emphasizing the importance of investigating if Boasberg’s conduct is prejudicial to the judicial process. Furthermore, the DOJ has requested that Boasberg be recused from the ongoing case concerning Venezuelan migrants in order to safeguard public trust while the inquiry unfolds. The case, J.G.G. v. Trump, has implications for high-stakes immigration policy, which has seen substantial legal challenges across the country under Trump’s administration.
This complaint is the second formal accusation filed by the Bondi DOJ against a federal judge in recent months. In February, a complaint was made against U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes over alleged misconduct during proceedings that challenged Trump’s Executive Orders related to transgender military service. This broader context highlights the ongoing conflicts between Trump’s administration and the judiciary, particularly involving “activist” judges who have blocked his executive orders.
Judge Boasberg has notably faced criticism from Trump and his administration throughout this year, especially after issuing a temporary restraining order on March 15 that sought to prevent the deportation of numerous Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador. This order ignited legal disputes across various federal courts and led to the Supreme Court affirming that the rushed deportations violated constitutional due process rights, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding immigration enforcement.
As the situation develops, it remains pivotal that the judicial system addresses the complaint against Judge Boasberg thoroughly. Given his significant role in high-profile cases, any findings regarding his conduct could influence how immigration policy is administered and perceived. With the DOJ’s request for an inquiry, the outcome could serve to reinforce or challenge judicial independence and integrity in the face of intense political scrutiny and pressure, particularly from the executive branch.
