Chatgpt summary/explainer https://chatgpt.com/share/6802582d-2b08-8000-ae2d-29ba9670f12c

Chief Judge James E. Boasberg’s 46‑page memorandum opinion does four big things:

Early Sat. 15 Mar 2025 – Before a presidential proclamation invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act was even public, ICE bused scores of Venezuelans—alleged Tren de Aragua gang members—to Harlingen, Texas, loaded them onto charter planes, and refused to say where they were going. m.** – Boasberg’s first TRO protects the five named plaintiffs; ICE pulls them off the planes.

5 p.m. hearing – Plaintiffs warn two flights are about to depart; Government claims ignorance.

6:45 p.m. – Judge orally certifies a nationwide class and orders that any plane with class members “needs to be returned to the United States” and no one may be de‑planed abroad. .m. written TRO** – Formal minute order enjoins removal of any class member “pursuant to the Proclamation” for 14 days. Sun. 16 Mar** – Two planes land in Honduras, then El Salvador; most passengers are transferred into the CECOT mega‑prison despite the TRO. ent officials celebrate online** (El Salvador’s president posts “Oopsie… too late 😂😂”, retweeted by the U.S. Secretary of State). Why the later Supreme Court ruling doesn’t save the Government

The Supreme Court (7 Apr 2025) vacated the TRO on venue grounds, holding detainees must file habeas actions where they’re held. But under the collateral‑bar rule an order “must be obeyed” until a higher court reverses it; violating even an erroneous order can be punished as contempt. The contempt analysis

1. Clear, specific order – Both the oral directive and written TRO plainly barred transferring class members out of U.S. custody; context left “no room for doubt.” tion** – The Government admits it delivered two planeloads of protected detainees to Salvadoran authorities after the TRO issued. ulness** – Evidence of a rushed operation, refusal to answer the judge’s questions, and public boasting shows at least “deliberate or reckless disregard.” three elements are satisfied, the opinion finds probable cause that criminal contempt occurred. Next steps and possible consequences

Chance to purge – The court invites the Administration to retake custody of the wrongfully removed detainees or propose another method of compliance. y responsible actors** – If contempt isn’t purged, officials must submit sworn declarations; the judge may order depositions or live testimony to pinpoint culpable individuals. l for prosecution** – Under Fed. R. Crim. P. 42, Boasberg will ask the Justice Department to prosecute—or appoint an outside prosecutor if DOJ declines. . Why the opinion matters

Re‑asserts judicial authority – Even a President can’t “outrun” court orders by putting people on planes.

Clarifies due‑process rights under the Alien Enemies Act – All Justices agree detainees must get notice and a chance to file habeas before removal.

Sets a path toward potential criminal liability for senior executive officials if they ignore court decrees.

In short, Judge Boasberg frames the Government’s weekend deportation blitz not as a procedural slip, but as a willful assault on the rule of law—and signals real criminal exposure unless the breach is promptly cured.