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DOJ Defies Court Order: Deportations of Venezuelans Continue

12/10/2025

Summary

Story summary

Chad Mizelle, a former chief of staff at the Department of Justice, recommended that the DOJ disregard a court order from Judge James Boasberg.
The inquiry investigates whether the DOJ advised Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to ignore Boasberg's order, which aimed to halt the deportation of 137 Venezuelan men to a violent prison in El Salvador.
Despite the ruling, the deportations occurred, prompting Judge Boasberg to seek testimony from two DOJ lawyers involved, including one who was dismissed for defying Trump administration directives.

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Story summary

Chad Mizelle, a former chief of staff at the Department of Justice, recommended that the DOJ disregard a court order from Judge James Boasberg.
The inquiry investigates whether the DOJ advised Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to ignore Boasberg's order, which aimed to halt the deportation of 137 Venezuelan men to a violent prison in El Salvador.
Despite the ruling, the deportations occurred, prompting Judge Boasberg to seek testimony from two DOJ lawyers involved, including one who was dismissed for defying Trump administration directives.