Homan Comments On Judges Order
In a heated exchange with reporters, Border Czar Tom Homan delivered a sharp rebuttal when pressed about the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act—a centuries-old law invoked to expedite the deportation of dangerous foreign nationals.
The law, first enacted in 1798, grants the president authority to remove citizens or nationals of an enemy country without a hearing during times of conflict. Historically, it has been used sparingly, most notably during the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II.
Now, President Donald Trump has invoked it once again—this time to remove Venezuelan nationals affiliated with the notorious Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, a criminal network with a violent reputation across the Americas.
Reporter: "That law is 200 years old!"
Homan: "Well, the Constitution is a lot older than that and we still follow it.”
It’s ironic that the left screams about the constitution… until WE start enforcing it.
— Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) March 17, 2025
Under Trump’s new proclamation, Venezuelan citizens over the age of 14 who are members of TdA and are present in the United States without citizenship or legal residency status can be “apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed” as alien enemies. The move marks one of the most aggressive steps yet in Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda, and unsurprisingly, it has drawn sharp criticism from the left.
During Monday’s press briefing, a reporter challenged Homan on the decision, asking, “What do you say to those who claim you’re using a 200-year-old law to circumvent due process?”
Homan’s response was swift and cutting.
"An old law?" he asked. "Not as old as the Constitution. We still pay attention to that, don’t we?"
With that, Homan shook his head and walked away, leaving the gathered reporters momentarily stunned.
The exchange quickly gained traction, particularly among conservatives who see the left’s sudden concern over an old law as ironic—especially given their tendency to invoke constitutional principles selectively. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) weighed in, commending Homan’s response:
"It’s ironic that the left screams about the Constitution… until WE start enforcing it."
For critics, Trump’s use of the law represents an overreach, bypassing the standard due process procedures afforded to most non-citizens facing deportation. But for supporters, it’s a long-overdue application of presidential authority to remove violent criminals who pose a threat to public safety.