Attorney General Alan Wilson of South Carolina is leading a coalition of 24 states in filing a friend-of-the-court brief supporting President Trump’s authority to use the Alien Enemies Act against Tren de Aragua, a foreign gang operating within the United States. The brief argues that the power to declare action under the Alien Enemies Act lies with the President as part of his national security responsibilities.
“A few days ago, President Trump took decisive action in removing a narcotrafficking communist leader in Venezuela,” Attorney General Wilson said. “Nicolas Maduro worked hand in hand with criminal networks to poison our communities. The President has the authority to act in the best interest of our national security.”
“The violence that gangs like Tren De Aragua have unleashed on our communities has to be stopped,” Wilson stated. “Every state bears the consequences of years of inaction. I am grateful to President Trump for working daily to protect American citizens.”
Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently arrested high-level cartel members linked to both Tren De Aragua and Los Zetas at a nightclub in South Carolina known for weapons, narcotics, and human trafficking activity. In February, ICE also arrested several members of Tren De Aragua during an operation in Charleston.
“Our state’s law enforcement officers are on the frontline daily to protect South Carolinians,” Wilson continued. “But we need to ensure that the President and federal authorities can step in and provide vital assistance to protect us from transnational terrorist organizations.”
Wilson previously co-led a coalition of 27 attorneys general defending presidential constitutional authority. He serves as South Carolina’s chief prosecutor, legal counsel, and securities regulator, overseeing divisions responsible for criminal matters, civil litigation, consumer protection, and victim support services across the state. More information about these roles can be found on the official website.
The brief is joined by attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
You can read more about previous coalitions led by Attorney General Wilson here. The full text of the new brief is available online.
