First Use of U.S. Alien Terrorist Removal Court

An Afghan woman has been deported to her home country after admitting involvement in a planned ISIS-supported mass shooting on U.S. Election Day 2024. This marks the first successful use of the U.S. Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC), established by Congress 30 years ago.

Nazira Haji Zada, 47, admitted her status as an ‘alien terrorist’ and waived her appeal, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). She was deported to Afghanistan following her admissions before the ATRC.

National Security Win

Attorney General Todd Blanche described the case as a win for national security and the rule of law. He emphasized that those connected with terrorism should be removed from the United States. Blanche stated, “This first-ever case before the ATRC shows how the DOJ will use every tool at its disposal to protect our country.”

Family’s Involvement

Zada’s son, Abdullah Haji Zada, and son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, were previously convicted in the mass shooting plot. Arrested in October 2024, they admitted to purchasing firearms, including AK-47 rifles, with the intention of executing the attack. The son received a 15-year prison sentence, while Tawhedi awaits sentencing.

Zada lived as a permanent resident in Fort Worth, Texas, but is now prohibited from returning to the U.S. The ATRC ordered her removal on August 20.

FBI Director Kash Patel commended the deportation, calling it a vital step for U.S. homeland security. “An individual who supported a plot by ISIS-sympathizing family members has paid the price,” Patel said.

The family allegedly sold belongings to fund the attack and purchased one-way tickets to Kabul, sparing her son and Tawhedi.

Legal Controversy

Haji Zada’s legal team argued that her removal doesn’t legitimize the court. They criticized the court for not revealing evidence against defendants, claiming it violates due process.

The ATRC was authorized by Congress in 1996, but Zada’s case is its inaugural use.