Washington DC [US]: Following a major legal win for the Trump administration, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a strong warning to gang members residing illegally in the U.S., after the Supreme Court allowed the use of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to resume deportations.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Leavitt celebrated the ruling and targeted notorious gangs such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13, stating:
“Last night, the Supreme Court delivered a massive legal victory to the Trump administration and allowed us to continue removing foreign terrorist invaders under the Alien Enemies Act. This was a smackdown to a rogue, left-wing, low-level district court judge.”
She issued a clear ultimatum to undocumented gang members:
“Deport yourself now or you’ll be locked up.”
The Supreme Court’s decision vacated a lower court ruling that had temporarily blocked the Trump administration from using the AEA to deport Venezuelan nationals. The ruling allows the administration to proceed with removals under this wartime authority.
According to The Hill, the central issue before the court was not whether the AEA was properly applied to suspected gang members, but rather the appropriate jurisdiction for challenging such deportations. The court ruled that legal challenges must be filed in Texas, where the detainees are being held.
The Supreme Court also affirmed that Venezuelans facing deportation must be given proper notice and the opportunity to seek habeas corpus relief—a legal process that allows individuals to challenge the lawfulness of their detention—before they are removed from the country.
In addition to the immigration developments, Leavitt also addressed the recent severe weather affecting several states:
“The President’s thoughts also remain with the families and communities experiencing devastating loss from the severe storms and flooding affecting several states.”
She confirmed that President Trump had approved emergency declarations for Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee to support recovery and relief efforts.