White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt fiercely defended the Trump administration’s controversial use of a gang identification guide Monday during a heated exchange with The Independent reporter Andrew Feinberg, who accused the administration of relying on superficial indicators — such as tattoos and clothing — to label foreign nationals as members of violent gangs.
The verbal clash erupted during a press briefing after Feinberg raised concerns about a recently leaked document published by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), titled “The Alien Enemies Validation Guide.” The guide, allegedly used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), outlines criteria for identifying members of Tren de Agua (TdA), a violent Venezuelan criminal syndicate.
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“You can get classified by simply having certain symbols in your tattoos and wearing certain streetwear brands,” Feinberg asserted. “That alone is enough to get someone classified as TdA and get them sent to El Salvador.”
Leavitt forcefully denied the accusation, countering that the guide reflects a broader, multi-point system and that DHS officials are using it responsibly.
“No, according to the Department of Homeland Security and the agents — have you talked to the agents who have been putting their lives on the line to detain these foreign terrorists who have been terrorizing our communities?” Leavitt fired back. “TdA is a vicious gang that has taken the lives of American women.”
“There is a litany of criteria used to make sure these individuals qualify as foreign terrorists,” she continued. “Shame on you and shame on the mainstream media for trying to cover for these individuals.”
What’s in the Guide?
The “Alien Enemies Validation Guide” reportedly requires individuals to accrue at least 8 points through various indicators to be classified as a TdA member.
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These include:
- Official identification in court records
- Self-identification or gang-related statements
- Tattoos featuring stars, trains, or phrases like “Real Hasta la Muerte” (“Till death”) and “Hijos de Dios” (“Sons of God”)
- Possession of clothing or insignia known to signal gang allegiance
The document’s leak has sparked concerns among civil liberties groups and immigration advocates, who fear that innocent individuals could be wrongly deported based on body art or fashion choices.
Legal Showdown Over Deportations
The Trump administration, invoking the long-dormant Alien Enemies Act of 1798, deported more than 200 individuals classified as members of TdA and MS-13 to Central America without hearings before immigration judges.
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However, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued a ruling halting the deportations mid-flight on March 15, launching a legal battle over the policy’s constitutionality and application. Critics argue the act was misapplied, while the administration defends its use as vital to national security.
Feinberg Responds
Following the briefing, Feinberg posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Obviously TdA is bad and if someone is a TdA member and deportable they should be deported. But one would hope our government with all its resources can do more to figure out who’s who than go entirely off wardrobe and body art.”
In a related development, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed late Sunday that the U.S. had successfully transferred 17 violent criminals affiliated with TdA and MS-13 to El Salvador in a joint counterterrorism operation. The group included individuals convicted of murder and sexual assault.
The administration also announced the capture of a top MS-13 leader in Virginia last week.
President Donald Trump’s January 20 executive order designated TdA, MS-13, and several major drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, allowing for expedited deportations and enhanced legal authorities.
As political and legal tensions mount, the administration remains resolute in its approach. “We are not going to let foreign gangs destroy our communities,” Leavitt said. “This president is restoring law and order.”
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