Alien Terrorist Removal Court first hearing

The Trump administration activated the long-dormant United States — United States Alien Terrorist Removal Court for the first time since its creation in 1996, filing a petition to deport Nazira Haji Zada, an Afghan woman and lawful permanent resident accused of supporting an ISIS-inspired plot. The court, established under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, held its first public hearing on July 30, 2026, in United States — Washington (state) Chief Judge Joan N. Ericksen denied defense attorney Matthew Farley's motion to dismiss and release Zada, but directed the Justice Department to provide more information by the following Wednesday. Zada, arrested by the FBI at her United States — Fort Worth, Texas, United States — Texas home, is not charged with a crime. The government alleges she supported a plot by relatives, including her son Abdullah Haji Zada and son-in-law Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, who were convicted in United States — Oklahoma City for their roles in the 2024 Election Day plot. The case marks a new front in the administration's aggressive deportation campaign, which has also invoked the Alien and Sedition Acts. The court's activation raises constitutional and due process concerns, as noted by defense counsel.