Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokesperson, on Friday disclosed that the ‘deportation flights’ of migrants have commenced. According to Leavitt, United States President Donald Trump is sending a strong message to the world on the issue of illegal migrants.

The former Fox News host and military veteran was confirmed after a 50-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote as Senate president.

The Senate has confirmed Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary, putting the South Dakota governor in charge of a sprawling agency that is essential to national security and President Donald Trump’s plans to clamp down on illegal immigration.

The Senate on Friday night voted to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary after Vice President JD Vance stepped in to cast the tiebreaking vote. Hegseth’s nomination had been hampered by allegations of misconduct.

This is where Mr Trump’s talk of an “invasion” becomes more than rhetorical bombast. Framing the cartels as terrorists invading America is meant to legitimise his use of the law. And because America is being invaded, Mr Trump argues, he can block anyone from crossing the border. The courts may not see it that way. ■

President Trump’s executive orders this week outline a sweeping agenda, from declaring an invasion at the border to curtailing birthright citizenship. But significant questions remain about what’s next.