November 21, 2025

In this week’s "How Appealing Weekly Roundup," we delve into a spectrum of pressing legal issues that highlight the complexities and ongoing debates within the U.S. legal system. From immigration court mishaps to unconventional fertility methods, these stories provide a window into the trials and transformations facing law and justice.
Legal Oversights and Immigration Controversies
A notable error by an immigration court six years ago could potentially undo the deportation efforts against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national. Politico’s Josh Gerstein reports that a 2019 blunder by the Trump administration might now benefit Garcia, offering him a chance to remain in the U.S. This case underscores the lasting impact of administrative errors in the immigration system.
Meanwhile, an Appeals Court decision has temporarily blocked the release of several hundred immigration detainees in the Chicago area. Mitch Smith of The New York Times details this development, which halts a federal judge’s earlier directive to release detainees arrested during the Trump-era immigration crackdown in Illinois.
From Gerrymandering to Judicial Proceedings
On the political front, an attempted Texas gerrymander aimed at flipping five House seats has backfired spectacularly. An upcoming editorial in The Wall Street Journal discusses how this GOP strategy, endorsed by former President Trump, might now advantage Democrats in national redistricting efforts.
In another courtroom, Judge James Boasberg is set to resume contempt proceedings concerning deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. Politico’s Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein highlight the contentious nature of this case, particularly after a DOJ attorney’s dismissal and subsequent allegations against department superiors.
Uncharted Territory in Fertility Treatments
Stepping into the world of DIY fertility, an intriguing report by Christopher Spata of The Tampa Bay Times explores the burgeoning trend of home inseminations and the use of gray market sperm. This report shines a light on the lengths to which individuals are going, driven by the prohibitive costs of conventional fertility treatments and the lack of regulatory frameworks.
Spotlight on Legal Education and Achievement
Finally, congratulations are in order for the latest Bristow Fellows, as highlighted by David Lat at his “Original Jurisdiction” Substack site. This prestigious fellowship, which continues to be dominated by graduates from Harvard and Stanford Law Schools, positions budding legal minds at the forefront of significant federal legal processes, working with the Office of the Solicitor General.
These stories, available in full at the How Appealing blog, weave through the dynamic and often contentious world of appellate litigation, reflecting broader societal issues and the ever-evolving landscape of American law.