In a heated exchange with the press, former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan defended President Trump’s historic decision to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a move that allows the president to deport foreign nationals without a trial or hearing in times of war or national emergency. This executive order, announced on March 17, 2025, specifically targets members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, a violent criminal organization that has wreaked havoc across the United States.

The law, which dates back over two centuries, was brought into the spotlight as Trump used it to protect American citizens from foreign criminals. Under the order, the president has the authority to remove foreign nationals, particularly members of gangs like Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and others that pose a clear threat to public safety and national security. Trump’s decisive action drew immediate backlash from critics who questioned the constitutionality of such a move, but Homan quickly shot down these concerns.

In a tense interaction with the media, Homan responded to a reporter who tried to undermine the legitimacy of the law by noting its age. “Well, the Constitution is a lot older than that, and we still follow it,” Homan fired back, a sharp reminder that America’s legal framework endures through the ages to protect its citizens from threats both foreign and domestic.

Homan further elaborated on the importance of Trump’s decision in a statement released later that day. He pointed out the dangerous consequences of the Biden administration’s failure to secure the border, which resulted in the release of thousands of dangerous criminals, including members of Tren de Aragua, into American communities. “The Biden Administration released thousands of Venezuelan Tren de Aragua criminals into the US. They have committed armed robberies, sex trafficking, attacked US citizens, assaulted police officers, and murdered innocent children,” Homan said, highlighting the stark contrast between Trump’s approach to border security and the chaos fostered by the current administration.

Under Trump’s leadership, however, Homan emphasized that progress is being made. Just the night before, 238 members of Tren de Aragua and 21 MS-13 gang members were deported, contributing to a growing list of criminal aliens sent back to their home countries. “Under President Trump’s leadership, this country is becoming safer every day,” Homan proudly declared. “With each criminal illegal alien being deported, neighborhoods are becoming safer, and the American people are safer.”

Homan’s defense of the president’s action was unwavering, as he stressed that ICE will continue its efforts to remove dangerous criminals from the country, especially with the help of Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is working to challenge sanctuary jurisdictions in court. “ICE will not stop until they are found and deported,” he promised. “We have much more to do, AND IT WILL BE DONE!!!”

The invocation of the Alien Enemies Act is a bold and necessary step in combating illegal immigration and the violent criminal gangs that threaten American lives. President Trump’s decisive action ensures that national security remains a top priority, regardless of political opposition. As Homan reminded the press, “This is about keeping Americans safe, and we will not back down.” With Trump at the helm, America can rest assured that the fight against criminal illegal immigration is in capable hands.