J. Michelle Childs

A U.S. appeals court ruled that a 28-year prison sentence for Libyan militant Ahmed Abu Khatallah, convicted in the 2012 Benghazi attack that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans, is too lenient and ordered resentencing. The court found the sentence insufficient for his role in the premeditated attack and transfer of the case back to the district court.

An appeals court ruled that President Donald Trump's executive order suspending asylum access at the U.S.-Mexico border is illegal, affirming that immigration laws mandate asylum rights. The court emphasized the Immigration and Nationality Act does not permit the president to override mandatory removal procedures. A partial dissent from Trump-nominated Judge Justin Walker acknowledged asylum protections but supported broader denials of applications.

A divided D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 to halt Judge James Boasberg's contempt inquiry into Trump administration officials over deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act. The majority, including Trump appointees Neomi Rao and Justin Walker, deemed the inquiry an overreach, while Biden appointee J. Michelle Childs dissented, emphasizing the importance of contempt powers.

A divided D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 to halt Judge James Boasberg's contempt inquiry into Trump administration officials over deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants. The court deemed the inquiry an overreach of judicial authority, with Trump-appointed judges Neomi Rao and Justin Walker leading the majority, while Biden appointee J. Michelle Childs dissented.