Trump Administration Secures Legal Win as Supreme Court Allows Use of Wartime Powers to Expel Undocumented Gang Affiliates
Washington DC [US], April 9: In a forceful statement following a major legal win, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a direct warning to undocumented gang members residing in the United States, after the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to resume deportations under the Alien Enemies Act (AEA).
“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,” Leavitt stated during a press briefing on Tuesday (local time).
The warning was particularly aimed at violent gangs such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13, with Leavitt declaring: “Deport yourself now or you’ll be locked up.”
This comes after the U.S. Supreme Court vacated a lower court ruling that had temporarily blocked the Trump administration from using the AEA to deport Venezuelan nationals accused of gang affiliations. The ruling allows the administration to resume deportations under this wartime-era statute, originally enacted to address foreign threats during national emergencies.
As reported by The Hill, the case before the Supreme Court did not directly challenge the applicability of the AEA itself, but focused on jurisdictional questions—specifically, where individuals should file lawsuits challenging their deportation. The court determined that such cases must be filed in Texas, where the individuals are detained, while also stressing that Venezuelan nationals facing removal must be given adequate notice and opportunity to seek habeas corpus relief before any deportation action is taken.
Beyond immigration issues, Leavitt also addressed the severe storm damage impacting parts of the country. “The President’s thoughts remain with the families and communities experiencing devastating loss from the severe storms and flooding affecting several states,” she said. President Trump has approved emergency declarations for Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee to assist in recovery and relief operations.