Washington DC [US], April 9 (HBTV): White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday (local time) issued a strong warning to gang members residing illegally in the United States, following the US Supreme Court’s decision to vacate a lower court ruling that had temporarily blocked the Trump administration from invoking the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) for deportations.

During a press briefing, Leavitt said, ‘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 referenced gangs such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13, and conveyed a stark message to undocumented individuals with alleged gang affiliations: ‘Deport yourself now or you'll be locked up.’

As reported by The Hill, the Supreme Court’s ruling allows the Trump administration to resume removals under the AEA, particularly targeting Venezuelan nationals. The Court did not address whether the AEA was being properly applied to those accused of gang affiliations. Instead, it ruled on the procedural aspect of where such legal challenges should be filed.

The Court directed that deportation challenges under the AEA must be filed in Texas, where the individuals are detained. It also stressed that Venezuelans facing deportation must receive proper notice and an opportunity to seek habeas relief before removal proceedings begin.

Apart from the deportation issue, the Press Secretary also addressed ongoing natural disasters across several US states, 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 approved emergency declarations for Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee to facilitate recovery efforts.

(ANI)