Judge James Boasberg canceled a planned hearing after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s use of a wartime deportation law. The case is now headed to Texas, taking it out of Boasberg’s courtroom.
Key Facts:
- Judge James Boasberg canceled a scheduled April 8, 2025 hearing after a Supreme Court ruling sided with the Trump administration.
- The Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport Venezuelan nationals, including alleged gang members.
- Boasberg had previously blocked the deportations, citing potential harm to the migrants.
- The Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision upheld due process rights but redirected jurisdiction to the Southern District of Texas.
- The ruling forced Boasberg to vacate the hearing and request further filings by April 16, 2025 to determine next steps.
The Rest of the Story
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision on the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg canceled a scheduled hearing in Washington, D.C.
The hearing had been set for April 8, 2025.
The legal dispute centered on whether the Trump administration could use the 1798 law to immediately deport Venezuelan nationals, some of whom are alleged to be part of the Tren de Aragua gang.
Judge Boasberg had previously granted an emergency restraining order in March 2025, halting the deportations over concerns that they posed “irreparable” harm to the individuals involved.
His decision was backed by a federal appeals court.
However, the Supreme Court overruled the lower courts, stating that such cases must be handled by the appropriate jurisdiction—namely, the Southern District of Texas, where the migrants are being detained.
The justices also affirmed that those facing deportation under the Alien Enemies Act still retain the right to judicial review.
Migrants must be properly notified and given a fair opportunity to challenge removal.
Boasberg has since asked the plaintiffs to file a status update by April 16 to clarify if they still want to proceed in his court or transfer the case.
Commentary: Trump’s Legal Win Forces Boasberg’s Retreat
In a major reversal, Judge Boasberg was forced to vacate his own hearing after the Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration.
His previous ruling had blocked deportations under a rarely used wartime law, but the high court made it clear: jurisdiction matters, and the rule of law must be followed.
Boasberg’s initial move to block Trump’s policy appeared to be more political than procedural.
He intervened quickly and forcefully, despite the historical legitimacy of the Alien Enemies Act—a law used only three times in over two centuries.
His ruling disrupted a lawful executive action meant to address national security concerns involving foreign nationals.
But Trump got the last laugh.
The Supreme Court didn’t just disagree—they redirected the entire case to Texas, effectively stripping Boasberg of his ability to interfere.
The justices reaffirmed due process for the detainees, but they also reinforced the idea that courts can’t overstep their jurisdiction just to score political points.
Now Boasberg is scrambling.
He’s asking the plaintiffs if they still want to proceed in his court.
That’s a far cry from his earlier tone when he had federal authority backing him.
The legal landscape has shifted, and he knows it.
And this isn’t the last time Boasberg will face the Trump administration.
He’s set to preside over another major case involving Trump.
The question is—will he stick to the law next time, or try to overreach again?
The Bottom Line
The Supreme Court’s ruling ended a legal challenge against Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, forcing Judge Boasberg to cancel a planned April 8 hearing.
The case must now proceed in Texas, where the migrants are held.
This decision strengthens legal clarity on immigration enforcement and underscores limits on judicial activism.
Boasberg’s next move will show whether he’s learned his lesson.
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