1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the recent efforts to impeach U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, led by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) and supported by several other lawmakers. This action stems from Judge Boasberg's ruling that temporarily blocked President Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members without a hearing. While the ruling has sparked debate, I believe the push for impeachment raises serious questions about the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. Judge Boasberg's ruling, which has been appealed by the Trump administration, is part of the judicial branch's role in reviewing executive actions to ensure they align with the Constitution. Chief Justice John Roberts has emphasized that "impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision," a principle that has been upheld for over two centuries. Impeaching a judge for a ruling, rather than for misconduct, sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine the judiciary's ability to act as an impartial check on executive and legislative power. The impeachment resolution accuses Judge Boasberg of "abuse of power" and claims he "overstepped his authority" by interfering with national security measures. However, the Alien Enemies Act, while granting the president broad discretion, has historically been used in wartime contexts, and its application here is legally complex. The judiciary's role is to interpret such laws, and disagreements should be resolved through the appellate process, not through political retaliation. I urge you to consider the long-term implications of this impeachment effort. If successful, it could erode public trust in the courts and embolden future attempts to punish judges for rulings that lawmakers dislike. This risks turning the judiciary into a political tool, which would be a grave threat to our constitutional system. Please stand in support of judicial independence and oppose this impeachment effort. Maine's lawmakers have a responsibility to protect the integrity of our institutions, and I trust you will do so. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. Sincerely,