Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association: Thank you, President Trump, for removing violent illegal alien gang members

By Mathew Silverman, National President for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and member of the Law Enforcement Today Board of Advisors

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) is a nonpartisan professional organization representing over 32,000 federal law enforcement agents and officers from more than 65 law enforcement agencies. Our mission is to advocate for common-sense law enforcement priorities in Congress and ensure policies that prioritize the safety and security of the American people.

As law enforcement professionals, we work tirelessly to protect this country, but too often, politics interfere with our ability to do what is best for public safety. Recently, the Trump Administration took decisive action to deport dozens of violent gang members believed to be affiliated with Tren de Aragua—one of the most dangerous criminal organizations operating in the U.S. On Saturday, President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to facilitate these removals.

“I completely understand law and order and the need for rules and regulations,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of FLEOA. “The bottom line is, 261 individuals were deported to El Salvador on Saturday—137 of whom were removed under the Alien Enemies Act due to alleged gang ties. This country is safer because of these actions.”

On Monday, a federal judge criticized the Justice Department for disregarding his order to turn around two flights en route to El Salvador carrying suspected Tren de Aragua gang members.

The judge also demanded explanations regarding additional removal flights ordered since President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act. The ruling came in response to a federal civil lawsuit filed against President Trump and other administration officials by five Venezuelan nationals in immigration custody in Texas and New York.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s actions, stating on X, “The written order and the Administration’s actions do not conflict. A single judge in a single city cannot direct the movements of an aircraft carrying foreign alien terrorists who were physically expelled from U.S. soil.”

“The brave men and women of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association have continuously adapted to meet the evolving public safety needs of the American people," said Silverman.

“While some have criticized the Trump administration, the truth is public safety is a non-partisan issue. Our members have worked day and night to protect our Nation’s borders. Our members have worked around the clock to take violent criminals off the streets. Now, I think we can all agree our communities have become a safer place to raise a family.”

Over the past several years, law enforcement officers have faced increasing challenges in carrying out their duties. However, with the leadership of President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, and Tom Homan, many officers once again feel empowered to do the jobs they were hired to do.

Speaking at the Department of Justice on Friday, March 14, 2025, both President Trump and Attorney General Bondi reaffirmed their unwavering support for law enforcement at all levels.

“Restoring law and order is not going to happen overnight,” Silverman added. “It will take time to bring us back to where we need to be. But the pendulum is swinging, and knowing that our country appreciates the work we do makes this job even more meaningful.”