Chief Judge James Boasberg has issued a court order mandating the preservation of encrypted Signal messages connected to a high-profile deportation case from the Trump administration, intensifying legal scrutiny over internal communications among key officials.
The directive comes as part of ongoing proceedings challenging the legality of deportation flights carried out during the administration’s crackdown on transnational gang activity. Attorneys representing plaintiffs in the case have argued that decisions surrounding removals—particularly of suspected gang members—may have involved improper or undocumented communication outside official channels.
Judge Boasberg, who is presiding over multiple cases tied to immigration policy, instructed all parties to retain relevant electronic communications, including those exchanged through encrypted messaging platforms like Signal. The order applies to current and former government officials, some of whom are believed to have participated in group discussions related to deportation enforcement strategy.
Legal representatives for the government have acknowledged the use of Signal among officials but maintain that the platform was used for coordination, not to conceal or bypass official processes. However, critics have raised concerns that the reliance on disappearing-message features may have compromised transparency and compliance with recordkeeping laws.
The judge’s ruling marks a significant procedural development, as it opens the door for further examination of how policy decisions were discussed and implemented behind the scenes. Preservation of these messages could serve as key evidence in determining whether protocols were followed or circumvented.
Boasberg has previously drawn attention for his role in multiple politically sensitive cases and has faced criticism from Trump allies, who argue that the judiciary is targeting former administration figures. Despite political backlash, the judge reiterated the legal necessity of safeguarding potential evidence during ongoing litigation.
As the case proceeds, the preservation order is expected to shape the next phase of discovery, with legal teams now focusing on recovering and reviewing encrypted communications linked to deportation-related decisions.