Nazira Haji Zada Deported: DOJ Uses Alien Terrorist Removal Court for First Time in Afghan National Case
Nazira Haji Zada, a 47-year-old Afghan national in Texas, was deported to Afghanistan in the first-ever use of the Us Alien Terrorist Removal Court. She conceded she is an alien terrorist who supported her family's plot for an ISIS-inspired mass shooting on Election Day in 2024. Attorney General Todd Blanche called the outcome 'a win for national security and the rule of law'.
In a historic first, the US Department of Justice has completed the removal of an Afghan national from the United States under the Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC), marking the inaugural use of the specialised federal tribunal established by Congress decades ago.
Landmark Removal Under the ATRC
Nazira Haji Zada, 47, an Afghan national formerly residing in Fort Worth, Texas, was deported to her country of origin after conceding that she is an alien terrorist, reports the US Department of Justice. The ATRC issued a removal order on August 20, which was unsealed following her return. Indian National Mukeshkumar Somabhai Chaudhari Charged With False US Citizenship Claim To Vote.
Federal authorities stated that Zada served as the matriarch of a family that supported an ISIS-inspired mass-shooting plot targeting Election Day in 2024. Her son, Abdullah Haji Zada, and son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, were previously arrested, prosecuted, and convicted in connection with the conspiracy.
Court Proceedings and Legal Strategy
The removal application was certified by Attorney General Todd Blanche and filed on July 15. Zada appeared for her initial open-court hearing on July 30 before ATRC Chief Judge Joan N. Ericksen, who subsequently signed the removal order. Operating under the statutory framework of the ATRC, the government utilised classified information to establish Zada's status. In compliance with legal requirements, prosecutors provided Zada and her federally appointed public defenders with roughly half a terabyte of supporting documents. Represented by counsel, Zada conceded her status as an alien terrorist and waived her right to appeal, terminating her legal status in the United States. She is now permanently inadmissible.
Context of the Terrorist Plot
Co-conspirators Tawhedi and Abdullah Haji Zada were originally arrested on October 7, 2024, after attempting to purchase firearms and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee for an attack scheduled around November 5, 2024. Investigators noted that the family liquidated personal assets - including vehicles, furniture, and a house contract - to fund the operation and purchased one-way airfare to Kabul for other family members ahead of the planned attack. Abdullah Haji Zada, who was a minor at the time of his arrest, pleaded guilty as an adult and received a 15-year prison sentence, stipulating to a future judicial removal order to Afghanistan. Tawhedi pleaded guilty on June 13, 2025, to conspiracy and terrorism support charges, and awaits sentencing. H-1B Visa: US Proposes Ending 60-Day Grace Period After Job Loss.
Official Statements on National Security
Top administration officials underscored the significance of the operation. Attorney General Todd Blanche called the outcome "a win for national security and the rule of law", emphasising that the Department of Justice will utilise every available legal mechanism to protect the country. FBI Director Kash Patel noted that the case demonstrates accountability for individuals who exploit residency privileges while supporting domestic attacks. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin added that the coordinated execution across immigration and law enforcement agencies fulfils a mandate to expel those who threaten public safety on American soil.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2026 09:57 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
