The administration cast the threat by the judge, James E. Boasberg, to open criminal contempt proceedings as another salvo in an increasingly bitter battle between the White House and the courts.

U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden, who handed the AP a victory last week, said it's too soon to say President Trump is violating his order, as the AP suggests.

Probable cause exists to prosecute members of the Trump administration for criminal contempt for continuing deportation flights to El Salvador on March 15, U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg ruled.