First-ever Alien Terrorist Removal Court ruling leads to deportation of Afghan woman from US

Washington: In the first case ever processed by a specialised U.S. terrorism court, an Afghan woman accused of aiding an Islamic State election day shooting plot has been deported to Afghanistan, according to the Department of Justice.

Nazira Haji Zada, a 47-year-old Texas resident who entered the United States in 2018, was removed from the country on August 25 following an order from the Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC) in Washington.

Established by Congress three decades ago, the ATRC had remained unused until Zada's proceedings. The specialised court allows the federal government to introduce classified evidence when public disclosure is deemed a threat to national security.

The Justice Department stated that Zada "conceded that she is an alien terrorist and waived appeal of the removal order."

"This landmark case, resulting in the prompt removal of this alien terrorist to her country of origin, is a win for national security and the rule of law," Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement.

"This first-ever case before the ATRC shows how the Department will use every tool at its disposal to protect our country."

The case stems from a plot led by Zada's son, Abdullah Haji Zada, and co-conspirator Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi to execute a "mass-casualty attack" on U.S. election day in 2024 on behalf of ISIS. Court records indicate the pair acquired 500 rounds of ammunition and two AK-47 assault rifles from an undercover FBI agent.

Abdullah Haji Zada, who was 17 when arrested, received a 15-year prison sentence in 2025 after pleading guilty. Tawhedi is currently awaiting sentencing.

The Justice Department publicly announced Zada’s deportation on Friday, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. (AFP)