In a fiery TV appearance, Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin made headlines by warning that former Trump administration officials could face serious legal consequences—including possible kidnapping charges—for their role in immigration deportations and defiance of court orders.
Speaking with Rachel Maddow on The Rachel Maddow Show on April 25, 2025, Raskin didn’t hold back. He slammed former President Trump and his administration for what he called blatant disregard for the law, including the controversial arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan. Judge Dugan had reportedly been jailed for protecting a migrant defendant from being detained by immigration authorities.
Maddow called Trump’s decision to have the judge arrested “reckless and desperate,” linking it to earlier efforts during Trump’s first term to send federal agents into state courtrooms. “It’s irrational,” she added.
Raskin echoed her concern, calling the administration’s actions “an attack on judicial independence.” He pointed out that officials were ignoring court rulings—including those from Judge James Boasberg, a conservative Republican judge—who had found them in criminal contempt.
According to Raskin, Judge Boasberg had ordered deportation flights to El Salvador to be turned around, but Trump officials defied the order. “There’s probable cause for contempt,” Raskin said. “They disregarded a direct federal court order.”
He went further, suggesting that Trump officials who ignored the judge’s directive could face charges beyond contempt—possibly obstruction of justice or even kidnapping, depending on the details.
When Maddow pressed Raskin on what should happen next, he urged both the public and Congress to speak out and take action. “We can’t stay silent while the rule of law is under attack,” he said.
Raskin wrapped up the conversation by warning about what he sees as a growing misuse of presidential power. “We’re rediscovering the two most beautiful words in the English language: due process,” he said. “That’s what separates a free society from tyranny.”