As constituents in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District contend with economic strain from rising prices and new tariffs, Representative Keith Self took to social media this week to endorse the administration’s stepped-up immigration enforcement.
In response to a post by former Trump advisor Stephen Miller—who declared that the Alien Enemies Act was now “in full effect” and that foreign terrorists would be “arrested and expelled”—Rep. Self replied:
“WHEELS UP!”
— Rep. Keith Self (@RepKeithSelf), April 7, 2025
The two-word tweet suggests support for mass deportations, but recent legal rulings—including one from the U.S. Supreme Court—indicate that such actions are not as immediate or sweeping as the messaging implies.
Due Process Still Required Under Law
On April 4, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that while the Alien Enemies Act grants broad authority to the executive branch during national security emergencies, deportations carried out under the law must still comply with constitutional due process.
This includes notifying detainees of removal proceedings and allowing them to challenge deportation in immigration court.
Federal courts in multiple states—including New York and Texas—have since reinforced that message by temporarily halting deportations in cases where individuals were denied hearings or adequate legal notice.
Who Is Being Deported?
Despite political rhetoric, individuals convicted of serious crimes in the U.S. are typically prosecuted and imprisoned before deportation is even considered. ICE and DOJ procedures generally call for criminal sentences to be completed before a person can be transferred into immigration custody.
There is currently no public evidence that individuals convicted of terrorism-related crimes have been deported under the Alien Enemies Act since the Supreme Court ruling. Instead, the individuals facing immediate removal appear to be:
- Asylum seekers with denied claims
- Undocumented individuals without criminal records
- People designated as national security risks without formal charges
Constituent Concerns Extend Beyond Immigration
In Collin County and across TX-3, many residents are expressing concern about economic uncertainty—especially as inflation pressures local businesses and working families. Some have questioned whether immigration enforcement is being prioritized over more urgent local issues.
While immigration remains a national policy matter, the implications of its enforcement play out in local communities, often with little clarity or transparency about who is being targeted and why.
Conclusion
Rep. Self’s “WHEELS UP” tweet reflects his support for the administration’s aggressive immigration posture, but it does not fully align with the legal requirements and outcomes being documented in federal courts.
As legal challenges continue and communities across TX-3 watch closely, the balance between security, lawfulness, and transparency remains an open question—especially in a district where many are more concerned about economic pressures than immigration policy headlines.