Trump administration appeals to never-before-used court for deportation

The Trump administration has invoked the never-before-used Alien Terrorist Removal Court to seek the deportation of Nazira Haji Zada, a permanent legal resident. Prosecutors accuse Zada of participating in an alleged shooting plot with her sons, who have pleaded guilty and are facing prison sentences. However, Zada herself faces no criminal charges. The government argues the court, created in 1996, is necessary to remove alleged terrorists, citing a preponderance of evidence including classified information. Critics contend this action bypasses due process protections. The hearing marks the first use of this court.

The U.S. government is using the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, dormant for 30 years, to seek the deportation of Nazira Haji Zada, an Afghan woman accused of supporting an Islamic State-inspired plot. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday in Washington, D.C. The FBI alleges Zada is an ISIS supporter who had her children pledge loyalty to the group and "supported" a plot by relatives to attack U.S. voters. Court filings identify her as the mother and mother-in-law of two men convicted for their roles in a 2024 Election Day plot. The Alien Terrorist Removal Court, established in 1996, has specific authority to deport individuals classified as "alien terrorists." Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the court was created to remove alien terrorists and that the allegations show Zada aiding a mass casualty attack plot.

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated deportation proceedings against Nazira Haji Zada, an Afghan woman, in the long-dormant Alien Terrorist Removal Court. This marks the court's first public hearing since its creation 30 years ago. Zada's defense attorney argued that the process violates her constitutional rights and due process, urging dismissal of the case. The court, established to deport individuals classified as "alien terrorists," received its first petition this month. An FBI memo alleges Zada is an Islamic State supporter who aided relatives in a plot for an ISIS-inspired attack in the U.S. Zada, a lawful permanent resident, is the mother and mother-in-law of individuals convicted in a 2024 Election Day plot. The judge denied immediate release requests but allowed Zada's lawyers to renew them as the case progresses.