A federal judge in Washington, DC, faced a dilemma when lawyers representing migrants in Texas raised concerns about imminent deportations under the Alien Enemies Act by the Trump administration. Despite his apprehensions, US District Judge James Boasberg stated that he lacked the authority to halt the deportations during an emergency hearing. The administration, represented by Justice Department attorney Drew Ensign, clarified that while no deportation flights were scheduled, the Department of Homeland Security reserved the right to remove the migrants on Saturday.

The migrants’ legal team from the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward sought emergency relief from Boasberg, challenging President Trump’s utilization of the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century wartime authority. Boasberg, acknowledging the case’s progression to higher courts, refrained from intervening, citing ongoing proceedings at the Supreme Court and 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals.

The contentious situation reflects the administration’s aggressive stance on deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, bypassing standard immigration protocols. Despite pleas from the migrants’ attorney for a brief pause, Boasberg’s hands were tied, given the legal complexities and jurisdictional constraints. The Supreme Court’s directive for adequate notice to migrants regarding removals under the law was scrutinized during the hearing, with concerns raised over the lack of clear options for challenging deportation notices received within 24 hours.

Boasberg’s previous order for contempt proceedings against the administration was temporarily halted by an appeals court, pending review. The judge expressed reservations about the adequacy of notice provided to migrants and the compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling. The evolving legal battle underscores the intricacies and challenges faced by both the migrants and the judicial system in navigating the complexities of immigration law and due process.