The US Justice Department is seeking to deport Nazira Haji Zada, a 47-year-old Afghan woman residing in Fort Worth, Texas, through the Alien Terrorist Removal Court for the first time since its creation in 1996. An initial hearing is scheduled for Thursday in Washington, D.C.
The year the Alien Terrorist Removal Court was created; no petition was filed until now.
US acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated: 'The Department’s application makes clear that terrorists have no place in the United States.' The court was established in 1996 but never received a petition until the Trump administration filed one this month.
According to the FBI, Nazira Haji Zada supported the plot, pledged loyalty to ISIS, and worked to indoctrinate her children. The FBI wrote: 'Nazira worked with Tawhedi to radicalize the family and conceal their pro-ISIS teaching.' However, she has not been charged with terrorism and has no known criminal record.
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, Zada's son-in-law, pleaded guilty to conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State. Authorities reported that he attempted to advance his attack plans by ordering AK-47 rifles, liquidating assets, and purchasing one-way tickets for his wife and child. Additionally, it was reported that Zada's son, Abdullah Haji Zada, was arrested at age 17, charged as an adult, received a 15-year sentence, and agreed to deportation after prison.
The Alien Terrorist Removal Court allows the government to deport noncitizens using classified evidence that cannot be publicly disclosed; individuals cannot review classified evidence or challenge how it was obtained. It was reported that the court holds initial proceedings privately, with public hearings only after a removal application is approved.