Impeaching James E. Boasberg, United States District Court Chief Judge for the District of Columbia, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
This is a House of Representatives impeachment resolution, H. Res. 229, introduced in the 119th Congress on March 18, 2025. It seeks to impeach James E. Boasberg, the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, for high crimes and misdemeanors. The resolution attaches an Article of Impeachment accusing Boasberg of abusing his judicial power by placing political considerations above impartial application of the law and by attempting to interfere with the President’s constitutional prerogatives and enforcement of law. It frames his conduct as a serious breach of his oath and an improper encroachment on executive authority. The Article of Impeachment specifically cites two alleged actions involving statements or decisions connected to the Tren de Aragua (described as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization) and the Trump administration’s handling of aliens. It asserts Boasberg prevented the President from removing certain aliens and compelled a midair action related to those aliens. The resolution relies on constitutional separation-of-powers arguments and cites Supreme Court language about protecting executive decisions under the Alien Enemies Act. If the House approves, the article would be sent to the Senate for trial.
Key Points
- 1Purpose and scope: The resolution proposes to impeach Chief Judge James E. Boasberg for high crimes and misdemeanors, alleging abuse of power and improper interference with the President’s prerogatives.
- 2Article of impeachment: Article I – abuse of power. It claims Boasberg knowingly and willfully used his judicial position to advance political gain and to interfere with executive authority and the enforcement of law.
- 3Constitutional framework cited: The resolution asserts the House has the sole power of impeachment, and that federal judges are subject to impeachment and removal. It discusses separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive, and references executive authority over policy and enforcement.
- 4Alien Enemies Act reference: The Article invokes the Alien Enemies Act and its interpretation that the President has broad, non-judicial discretion in certain national-security matters, arguing Boasberg overstepped judicial bounds by second-guessing or substituting his judgment for the President’s.
- 5Specific alleged conduct: The two actions listed are (1) allegedly preventing President Trump from removing aliens associated with Tren de Aragua, and (2) allegedly requiring planes to turn around midair to address aliens connected to Tren de Aragua. These are framed as political actions outside Boasberg’s judicial duties.
- 6Procedural status: The resolution was introduced in the House, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Sponsor information is not provided in the text.
- 7Remedy sought: If the House adopts the Article of Impeachment and the Senate convicts, Boasberg would be removed from office.