The Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking to deport Nazira Haji Zada, an Afghan woman residing in Fort Worth, Texas, through the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, a specialized tribunal created in 1996 but never previously used. The court will hold its first-ever hearing on Thursday in Washington, D.C., to consider the government's petition to remove Haji Zada, who is accused of supporting an ISIS-inspired terror plot involving her son and son-in-law.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
The DOJ alleges that Haji Zada supported the Islamic State (ISIS), pledged loyalty to the group, and assisted in a plot by her relatives to carry out an attack in the U.S. An FBI memo dated July 15, 2026, states that she is the subject of a national security investigation and is being investigated for crimes related to international terrorism. The memo claims that Haji Zada's son, Abdullah Haji Zada, and son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, conspired to relocate family members to ISIS-controlled territory in Afghanistan while remaining in the U.S. to conduct an attack. Both men were arrested on October 7, 2024, while attempting to purchase firearms and ammunition for the planned attack. Abdullah Haji Zada was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison in November 2025.
Deeper Dive and Context
The Alien Terrorist Removal Court was established under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 to facilitate the deportation of noncitizens accused of terrorism-related activities using classified evidence. The court's judges are selected by Chief Justice John Roberts, and it allows the government to present unclassified summaries instead of disclosing sensitive intelligence. The DOJ must show probable cause that the respondent qualifies as an "alien terrorist" and that using ordinary removal procedures would pose a national security risk.
Official Rationale and Legal Framework
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the allegations show Haji Zada as the matriarch of an ISIS-sympathizing family aiding in a plot to launch a mass casualty attack on American voters during the 2024 Election Day. The DOJ's application in the court underscores that terrorists have no place in the United States. The court's proceedings do not permit suspects to review the classified information against them, and they are not allowed to legally challenge how the evidence was collected.
Opposing Views and Legal Concerns
Haji Zada has not been publicly charged with any crimes of terrorism and has no known criminal history. Her defense attorney, who represented her son in his criminal case, has not publicly commented on the allegations. The use of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court has raised concerns about due process and the handling of classified evidence, as defendants cannot challenge the evidence presented against them.
Long-Term Implications
The case marks a significant development in the government's efforts to deport noncitizens accused of terrorism-related activities using classified evidence. The outcome of this hearing could set a precedent for future cases involving national security and deportation proceedings. The DOJ's decision to use this specialized court highlights the administration's focus on counterterrorism and the removal of individuals deemed threats to national security.