Key Highlights

• The Trump administration has revived the Alien Terrorist Removal Court for the first time since it was created in 1996.
• The Justice Department is seeking the deportation of Afghan national Nazira Haji Zada.
• Authorities allege she supported relatives involved in an ISIS-inspired Election Day attack plot in the United States.
• A hearing is scheduled before the specialised federal tribunal in Washington, DC.
• The allegations against Haji Zada have not yet been adjudicated in the deportation proceedings.

Rare Tribunal Activated After Nearly 30 Years

The United States Department of Justice has petitioned the Alien Terrorist Removal Court to deport Nazira Haji Zada, marking the tribunal's first known use since it was established in 1996.

The specialised court, created under US law to handle deportation proceedings involving non-citizens alleged to have links to terrorism, had reportedly never received a petition before this month.

A hearing is scheduled to take place in Washington, DC, where the government will present its application for Haji Zada's removal.

Allegations in the Case

According to court filings and an FBI memorandum cited by US authorities, investigators allege that Haji Zada:

• Supported an ISIS-inspired attack plot in the United States.
• Encouraged her children to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State.
• Assisted relatives accused of planning an attack targeting Election Day.

These allegations form the basis of the government's deportation request.

The claims have been presented by US authorities and remain subject to legal proceedings.

Links to Earlier Criminal Cases

Court documents identify Haji Zada as the mother and mother-in-law of two Afghan nationals previously convicted in connection with an alleged Election Day attack plot.

Her son, Abdullah Haji Zada, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after his conviction. Court records indicate he also agreed to be removed from the United States after completing his sentence.

Her son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and attempting to provide material support to ISIS.

According to prosecutors, Tawhedi purchased firearms, liquidated family assets and arranged travel plans before his arrest.

Justice Department's Position

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Congress created the tribunal to remove non-citizens accused of terrorism-related activities from the United States.

In a statement, Blanche alleged that the case involved the matriarch of an ISIS-sympathising family accused of supporting a planned mass-casualty attack targeting American voters.

The Justice Department maintains that the tribunal provides a legal mechanism for deportation proceedings in such cases.

What Is the Alien Terrorist Removal Court?

The Alien Terrorist Removal Court was established under US law in 1996.

It consists of five federal judges appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States and has jurisdiction over deportation cases involving non-citizens whom the government classifies as alleged terrorists.

Despite existing for nearly three decades, the court reportedly remained unused until the current proceedings.

Why This Matters

The case marks a significant development in US immigration and national security policy. By activating a tribunal that had remained dormant for almost 30 years, the Trump administration is signalling a willingness to use rarely invoked legal mechanisms in terrorism-related deportation cases. The proceedings will also test how the specialised court functions in practice after decades without hearing a case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Alien Terrorist Removal Court?

It is a specialised US federal tribunal established in 1996 to conduct deportation proceedings involving non-citizens alleged by the government to have terrorism-related links.

Who is Nazira Haji Zada?

She is an Afghan national facing deportation proceedings after US authorities alleged she supported relatives involved in an ISIS-inspired attack plot.

Has she been convicted?

The current proceedings concern deportation. The government's allegations will be addressed through the legal process, and the deportation petition is separate from any criminal conviction.

Why is this case significant?

It is the first known case brought before the Alien Terrorist Removal Court since its creation nearly 30 years ago.

Who filed the deportation request?

The petition was filed by the US Department of Justice under the Trump administration.