BREAKING: Stephen Miller Defends Deportations and Criticizes Court’s Overreach on Terrorist Gangs

In a fiery press gaggle outside the White House today, Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Trump, robustly defended the administration’s recent mass deportations, particularly of alleged members of violent foreign terrorist organizations, and harshly criticized a federal judge’s recent order that sought to block the removal of these individuals.

A Strong Message for National Security

Miller began by addressing the importance of the president’s executive decisions, particularly the deployment of the Alien Enemies Act, which enabled the deportation of nearly 200 members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. This gang, Miller emphasized, has been responsible for heinous crimes such as kidnapping, sexual assault, and drug trafficking across the United States. He underscored that these criminals, identified as foreign terrorists, had been living illegally in the country, creating a clear and present danger to U.S. citizens.

“President Trump acted decisively,” Miller stated. “This is about protecting American lives and national security. We’re not going to let the court’s decision undermine that.”

The Alien Enemies Act, invoked for the first time in decades, allows the president to expel non-citizens deemed a national security threat without the usual judicial hearings. Miller made it clear that this was within the president’s rights, and argued that such action was essential given the nature of the threat posed by these foreign gangs.

Controversy Over Court’s Intervention

Miller’s tone turned sharply critical when discussing the recent ruling by a district court judge, who ordered the Trump administration to halt deportations of the gang members under the Alien Enemies Act. According to Miller, the judge’s ruling was not only unfounded but “an outrageous assault on the Constitution and the sovereignty of the nation.”

The deportations, which had already been executed, were part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to curb the power of international gangs operating in the U.S. Miller argued that the judicial branch had no place in directing the president’s actions in such a vital national security matter.

“The president has been given clear constitutional authority to defend our country,” Miller said. “The idea that a single judge could block deportations that have been planned with such care and national security in mind is an assault on democracy itself.”

Addressing the Larger Threat

Miller also pointed to the broader issue of illegal immigration and gang violence, emphasizing that the deportations were just one aspect of a larger effort to secure the U.S. border and keep Americans safe. He pointed to President Trump’s significant diplomatic efforts, including the cooperation of foreign governments like El Salvador, which agreed to take back these criminals.

“We’re working with international partners to secure our nation,” Miller said. “This is not just about deporting criminals; it’s about sending a message that we won’t tolerate terrorism on our soil.”

International Cooperation and Trade Concerns

Miller also fielded questions regarding the administration’s tough stance on international trade. He was asked about the failure to grant Mexico an exemption from steel tariffs, something that President Trump had previously considered. Miller responded that the U.S. must prioritize its own national security and economic interests over diplomatic niceties.

“The president’s commitment is clear—our steel and manufacturing industries are essential to our national security, and we can’t afford to let other countries take advantage of us,” Miller explained. “The health of these industries is non-negotiable.”

The Legal Battle Over Deportations

The conversation shifted back to the ongoing legal drama surrounding the deportations. Miller reaffirmed that the president’s actions were in line with U.S. law and that the administration had already made plans to appeal the judge’s decision if necessary.

“We will not back down from our duty to defend the United States from foreign terrorist organizations,” Miller said firmly. “These actions are in the best interest of national security, and we are prepared to continue with them, regardless of this judge’s interference.”

A Tough Road Ahead

As Miller wrapped up the briefing, he reiterated the Trump administration’s commitment to keeping America safe and tackling illegal immigration head-on. He also addressed the ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal organizations that have made their way into the U.S., saying that the administration would not rest until the job was complete.

“We’ve got a job to do, and we’re not going to let anyone get in the way,” Miller concluded.

The debate over the future of immigration policy and judicial power is far from over, but today’s press gaggle made one thing clear: President Trump and his administration are determined to take bold steps to protect American citizens, no matter the legal challenges that may arise.

Play video: