James E. Boasberg

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Presiding over class action challenging AEA deportations

The Alien Enemies Act has been invoked only four times in American history—during the War of 1812, World War I, World War II, and now. In March 2025, President Trump became the first president to use the 1798 wartime statute outside of a declared war. He targeted alleged members of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang and sent 137 men to El Salvador's maximum-security CECOT prison within 24 hours.

Updated May 27

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Presiding over jurisdictional dispute now on appeal

A hoodie-clad figure planted two pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican headquarters on the evening before the Capitol riot. Then-Vice President-elect Kamala Harris came within 20 feet of one device. The bombs never exploded—a matter of luck, prosecutors say, not design. For nearly five years, the FBI's most intensive manhunt since 9/11 turned up nothing.

Updated May 18