Former President Donald Trump told Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) to prepare for an aggressive mass deportation strategy, promising to invoke the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to target gang members if he returns to the White House next month.
Speaking at a rally in New York City’s Madison Square Garden, Trump criticized the Biden administration for what he described as a rising tide of undocumented migrants.
He pledged to implement “the largest deportation program in American history” starting on his first day in office.
The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 grants the president the authority to deport individuals from enemy nations, a law that has rarely been used, typically during wartime. Trump framed his approach as a necessary response to crime and disorder, vowing to root out violent gangs such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13.
“We will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail and then kick them out of our country as fast as possible,” he declared. He emphasized to Johnson, “Get ready!” for a crackdown on what he sees as rampant criminal networks operating in the U.S.
Trump’s rhetoric painted a picture of urgency and transformation, asserting that November 5, 2024, would mark “Liberation Day” for America, a day when he would reclaim control of the nation’s borders.
“The United States is now an occupied country, but it will soon be an occupied country no longer. Not gonna be happening? Not gonna be happening. November 5th, 2024, nine days from now, will be Liberation Day in America. It’s going to be Liberation Day,” Trump said.
He continued: “On day one, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history. Gotta get the criminals out. I will rescue every city and town that has been invaded and conquered, and we will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail, then kick them the hell out of our country as fast as possible. And to expedite removals of Tren de Aragua and other savage gangs like MS-13, which is equally vicious, I will invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.”
“Think of that. That’s how far back. That’s when they had law and order.” he emphasized. “And you know, when you look at the polls and they say about the economy and they have all these different things. The worst nightmare that we’re facing is what they’ve done to us on our borders.”
