In a forceful message following a major legal development, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday warned gang-affiliated foreign nationals living illegally in the United States to either leave the country voluntarily or face incarceration.
The announcement came after the U.S. Supreme Court vacated a lower court ruling that had temporarily blocked the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to deport individuals deemed national security threats. The decision effectively clears the path for the administration to resume deportations under this wartime-era law.
“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,” Leavitt declared at a press briefing. “This was a smackdown to a rogue, left-wing, low-level district court judge.”
Leavitt’s warning focused particularly on violent gang organizations such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13, calling them “foreign terrorists.” She issued a direct ultimatum: “Deport yourself now or you’ll be locked up.”
The Supreme Court’s decision, reported by The Hill, did not evaluate the application of the AEA itself but instead clarified where legal challenges to such deportations must be filed. The court ruled that Venezuelan nationals seeking to contest their deportation must do so in Texas, the state where they are detained. It also affirmed their right to proper notice and the opportunity to request habeas relief before any deportation occurs.
The Trump administration has increasingly invoked the AEA—originally enacted in 1798—to justify removals of foreign nationals it associates with national security risks. Critics argue the law is overly broad, while supporters see it as a necessary tool in confronting transnational criminal organizations operating within U.S. borders.
In the same press briefing, Leavitt also acknowledged the ongoing severe weather crisis affecting multiple states.
“The President’s thoughts remain with the families and communities experiencing devastating loss from the severe storms and flooding,” she said. Leavitt confirmed that President Trump has approved emergency declarations for Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee to support relief and recovery operations.
The administration’s dual focus on national security and domestic disaster response underscores the White House’s broader effort to project strength and responsiveness on multiple fronts.
