On Friday, July 11, 2025, ABC News reported that attorneys representing a former Department of Justice (DOJ) official turned whistleblower released a series of communications that allegedly support claims against Emil Bove, a top Trump appointee poised for a significant judicial role. The messages reportedly indicate that Bove suggested defying court orders regarding immigration policy enforcement.
The communications, originating from former immigration attorney Erez Reuveni, offer a glimpse into the internal turmoil among DOJ and administration officials as they sought to justify expedited deportation efforts that are now under legal scrutiny. According to Reuveni’s legal team and Senate Democrats who made the messages public, these texts lend credibility to Reuveni’s earlier whistleblower disclosure, which surfaced just before Bove’s confirmation hearing for a seat on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
In a meeting on March 14, prior to the administration’s initial deportation actions under the Alien Enemies Act, Bove reportedly suggested that the DOJ might need to respond to court orders with a dismissive attitude. Specifically, Reuveni alleged that Bove indicated the DOJ should consider telling the courts to “f— you” in the event of any injunction aimed at stopping deportations.
On March 15, following a U.S. District Court order from Judge James Boasberg requiring the administration to halt the deportation of migrants, Reuveni texted that the situation would only conclude with a nationwide injunction, adding further comments implying Bove’s controversial remark. Another attorney involved in the discussions referenced concerns about potential sanctions against Drew Ensign, a DOJ career official tasked with defending the administration’s deportation strategy.
As the day progressed, Reuveni continued to communicate about the implications of Bove’s statements, hinting at possible repercussions for the administration’s stance. While the impact of these messages on Bove’s nomination remains uncertain, they may provide Judge Boasberg with relevant evidence in ongoing contempt proceedings against the Trump administration, currently on hold pending a D.C. Circuit Court review.
The texts also shed light on the DOJ’s early discussions regarding the administration’s refusal to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deportee sent to a Salvadoran prison despite a 2019 court order prohibiting his removal due to fears of persecution. The Trump administration had labeled Garcia as a member of the MS-13 gang, a claim denied by his family and legal representatives.
In one email, Reuveni warned that defying orders to bring Garcia back could set a dangerous legal precedent, potentially undermining more significant initiatives of the administration for the sake of one individual. Initial responses from State Department and DHS officials indicated a willingness to facilitate Garcia’s return, contrasting sharply with the views of figures like Stephen Miller, who questioned Garcia’s character.
During his confirmation hearing, Bove denied ever instructing officials to ignore court orders and claimed he could not recall making the controversial statement attributed to him. In a response to the release of the texts, Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized Reuveni as a “leaker” making unfounded claims in an attempt to derail Bove’s nomination, asserting that “there was no court order to defy as they successfully argued to the DC Circuit when seeking a stay, when they stayed Judge Boasberg’s lawless order.”
Source: ABC News
