Alien Terrorist Removal Court to Hear First-Ever Case Involving Texas Resident
A specialized, secretive tribunal established by Congress in 1996 will hear its inaugural case on Thursday morning, evaluating a Justice Department request to deport Nazira Haji Zada, a 47-year-old lawful permanent resident living in Texas. Prosecutors assert that Ms. Zada is a supporter of the Islamic State, or ISIS, and is connected to a foiled 2024 Election Day mass shooting plot. The hearing in Washington before the Alien Terrorist Removal Court marks the first time the tribunal has been utilized in its 30-year history.
Family Ties to Foiled 2024 Election Day Plot
Government allegations indicate that Ms. Zada aided the conspiracy alongside members of her household. Last year, her son, Abdullah Haji Zada, and her son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, pleaded guilty to charges related to the plot, admitting they attempted to purchase two AK-47-style rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the evidence demonstrates the family matriarch aided in an effort to launch a mass casualty attack targeting American voters.
Classified Evidence and Uncharged Legal Status
Court papers show that Ms. Zada has not been publicly charged with any crimes of terrorism and holds no criminal history. However, an unclassified summary submitted by prosecutors alleges that she pledged loyalty to ISIS, worked to indoctrinate her children, and hid relocation plans from her husband, Abdul Haji Zada, who previously worked at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2016. Operating similarly to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, the removal court relies heavily on classified evidence that defendants cannot challenge regarding its collection.
Judicial Review and Upcoming Proceedings
Following a July 16 opening request supported by classified exhibits and an initial closed-door session, Chief Judge Joan N. Ericksen reviewed a supplementary government briefing filed on July 22. Judge Ericksen, who also sits in Federal District Court in Minnesota, determined there was probable cause to proceed with the case under the determination that normal immigration procedures would pose a national security risk. She will preside over the 11 a.m. hearing at the federal courthouse in Washington.
