Alien Terrorist Removal Court deports legal US resident to Afghanistan in first-ever case
The U.S. Justice Department has utilized the Alien Terrorist Removal Court for the first time in its 30-year history to deport a legal resident to Afghanistan. The individual, Nazira Haji Zada, consented to deportation after being accused of supporting an Islamic State-inspired plot.
Why it matters
This case sets a significant legal precedent for the use of secretive, civil-based national security courts to bypass traditional criminal proceedings for non-citizens.
For the first time, the Justice Department brought a case before a decades-old but until now unused special court to deport a legal US resident to Afghanistan after she conceded to being an "alien terrorist," court records show.
Law Alien Terrorist Removal Court holds its first-ever hearing after 30 years Prosecutors alleged Nazira Haji Zada, 47, originally from Afghanistan, supported a plan by her son and son-in-law to commit an Islamic State-inspired mass shooting on Election Day in 2024, according to court documents. Both men have already been charged and will be deported following their release from prison. Haji Zada's son, Abdullah Haji Zada, 19, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
US Deports Afghan Woman In First Use Of Alien Terrorist Removal Court
US deports Afghan woman after 'alien terrorist' trial over failed mass shooting
Afghan woman in Texas dubbed an "alien terrorist" is deported in DOJ's first case using obscure court - CBS News
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in