House GOP Lawmaker Files Impeachment Articles Against Federal Judge Over Deportation Ruling
A significant legal and political clash is escalating as Representative Brandon Gill, a Republican from Texas, has initiated impeachment proceedings against U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg. The move stems from Judge Boasberg’s decision to temporarily halt the Trump administration’s deportation flights conducted under the Alien Enemies Act, a law initially enacted in 1798.
Gill’s resolution, obtained by Fox News Digital, accuses Judge Boasberg of overstepping his judicial authority and interfering with the executive branch’s power. The heart of the dispute lies in Judge Boasberg’s emergency pause on the Trump administration’s plan to deport undocumented immigrants, specifically those associated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
According to the resolution, Judge Boasberg’s order required President Trump to redirect planes mid-air that were carrying individuals allegedly linked to Tren de Aragua. Gill argues that this action "jeopardizes the safety of the nation, represents an abuse of judicial power, and is detrimental to the orderly functioning of the judiciary." He further contends that Judge Boasberg’s actions constitute an attempt to seize power from the executive branch and undermine the will of the American people.
Gill expressed his intention to follow the traditional process for impeachment proceedings, suggesting that the resolution should be reviewed by the House Judiciary Committee, where he is a member. He plans to discuss the matter with Chairman Jim Jordan, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established procedures for judicial impeachment.
The controversy ignited after Judge Boasberg verbally issued a 14-day restraining order to halt the Trump administration’s deportation plan. The decision came in response to arguments from human rights groups that Venezuelan nationals with legitimate asylum claims could be swept up in the deportations, even if they have no known connection to the Tren de Aragua gang.
Trump has voiced his support for Gill’s impeachment efforts, labeling Judge Boasberg a "Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge" and accusing him of being a "troublemaker and agitator." Trump asserted that his victory was driven by a mandate to combat illegal immigration, stating, "I’m just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do." He added that Judge Boasberg, like many other judges he has encountered, should be impeached.
Gill accuses Judge Boasberg of deliberately hindering Trump’s ability to fulfill his campaign promises by forcing the administration to litigate every action it takes. He views this as unconstitutional and a usurpation of executive authority.
The Trump administration contends that Judge Boasberg’s written order was issued after two planes carrying alleged gang members had already taken off, making it impossible to comply with the order. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration did not violate any court order because the planes departed before the order was officially entered.
However, Judge Boasberg challenged the administration’s position during a court hearing, questioning how his equitable powers would not apply to a plane that had already left U.S. airspace.
The dispute has the potential to reach the Supreme Court, which could have far-reaching implications for the authority of lower-level federal judges.
Gill’s impeachment resolution is not an isolated incident. Other Trump allies in the House, including Representatives Eli Crane, Derrick Van Orden, and Andrew Clyde, have threatened to file impeachment articles against U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer for blocking Department of Government Efficiency efforts.
The court has declined to comment on Gill’s resolution.
This clash between the legislative and judicial branches underscores the deep political divisions surrounding immigration policy and the extent to which legal challenges can impact the executive branch’s ability to implement its agenda. The outcome of this impeachment effort and any subsequent legal battles could reshape the balance of power between the branches of government and have a lasting impact on immigration enforcement. The invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used law, further complicates the matter and raises questions about the scope of executive power in times of perceived national security threats.
