A US judge has threatened contempt proceedings against the Trump administration over its failure to stop deportation flights to El Salvador, defying a court order issued in March, BBC reported. 

More than 200 Venezuelans accused by the White House of gang affiliation were flown to El Salvador using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. However, Judge James Boasberg had placed a 14-day restraining order on deportations under this law.

Despite the order, flights proceeded. Boasberg said the government’s failure to respond adequately to the court’s demands amounted to “wilful disregard”. He said: “None of their responses has been satisfactory.”

While the Supreme Court later upheld the use of the 1798 act, Boasberg clarified this did not excuse the prior non-compliance. He warned contempt charges could be avoided if the administration submits a full explanation and complies with the original order by 23 April.

Should the administration fail to do so, Boasberg indicated he would seek to identify and possibly recommend prosecution for those responsible.

The White House denied any defiance. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted the deportations occurred before the judge’s order was issued. “The administration did not ‘refuse to comply’ with a court order,” she said.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung confirmed plans to appeal: “We plan to seek immediate appellate relief.” He added: “The President is 100% committed to ensuring that terrorists and criminal illegal migrants are no longer a threat to Americans.”

Trump criticised Boasberg online, calling him a “troublemaker and agitator” and calling for his removal.

The deportation flights were part of a $6m (£4.6m) agreement with El Salvador. President Nayib Bukele recently met Trump at the White House to discuss expanding the programme.