A federal judge has ordered top Justice Department attorneys to testify about the Trump administration’s controversial March deportations carried out under the Alien Enemies Act.

The deportations sent more than 100 alleged gang members to a prison in El Salvador, despite the judge previously ordering the flights to be turned around.

Judge James Boasberg is examining whether officials deliberately defied his instructions and whether their actions amounted to contempt.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and DOJ officials claim they acted based on legal advice and deny knowingly violating any order, ABC News has reported.

The judge said it is too early to pursue criminal contempt but testimony is needed to clarify how the decision was made.