Press Secretary also addressed the ongoing storm damage in the US | REUTERS

The recent Supreme Court ruling represents a major win for the administration’s tough approach to immigration and counterterrorism. By overturning a previous injunction from a lower court, the decision clears the way for the government to once again use the Alien Enemies Act (AEA)—a wartime law that allows the President to detain and deport citizens from enemy nations during times of conflict. This move specifically targets violent criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua and MS-13, whose members are alleged to have committed serious offenses across the United States.

On Tuesday (local time), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a strong message to gang members unlawfully residing in the country. Her statement came after the Supreme Court struck down a district court’s temporary block on the administration’s use of the AEA to deport such individuals.

During a press briefing, the White House Press Secretary stated, “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.”

The warning specifically targeted groups such as Tren-de-Aragua and MS-13, emphasising the message to foreign terrorists still in the country: “Deport yourself now or you’ll be locked up.”

Earlier, the US Supreme Court vacated a district court ruling that temporarily blocked the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to deport Venezuelans, allowing the administration to resume removals under this wartime power, as reported by The Hill on Monday.

According to The Hill, the issue before the Supreme Court was not whether the AEA was properly applied to expel individuals accused of gang affiliations but rather where those challenging their deportation should file their lawsuits.

The Supreme Court’s ruling mandates that those contesting deportation under the AEA must do so in Texas, where they are detained. The court also emphasised that Venezuelans facing deportation must be given proper notice to allow them to challenge their removal, specifically providing an opportunity to seek “habeas relief” before deportation occurs, as reported by The Hill.

In addition to the deportation statement, the Press Secretary also addressed the ongoing storm damage in the US, stating, “The President’s thoughts also remain with the families and communities experiencing devastating loss from the severe storms and flooding affecting several states.”

She added that US President Trump had also approved emergency declarations for Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee to aid in recovery efforts.

In conclusion, the White House’s ultimatum to foreign nationals suspected of terrorist ties represents a seismic shift in U.S. immigration policy, with far-reaching implications. As the nation navigates this complex and contentious terrain, it must confront fundamental questions about its identity, values, and the principles that underpin its democracy. The coming months will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of these policies and their enduring impact on the fabric of American society.