First Use of Zombie Court in Terrorism Deportation

The United States has used the Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC) for the first time in its nearly three-decade history to expel Nazira Haji Zada, an Afghan national. Zada admitted to supporting her sons’ plans for an ISIS-inspired shooting on Election Day 2024. Her deportation marks her permanent inadmissibility to the U.S., according to officials. The ATRC, established by Congress, allows deportation of noncitizens suspected of terrorism using classified evidence.

The court’s use, dubbed a “zombie” court due to its dormancy, represents a significant move by the Trump administration in handling terrorism-related deportation cases. Attorney General Todd Blanche filed the order for Zada’s removal, with ATRC Chief Judge Joan Ericksen presiding over the case and signing the order. The Department of Justice (DOJ) used classified information to demonstrate Zada’s terrorist links, and she was presented with around half a terabyte of documents supporting the case. Zada, previously residing in Fort Worth, Texas, confessed to supporting this plot for which her son and son-in-law had been arrested and convicted.

Court records state that Zada and her family began selling off property in 2024 to fund the attack, including plans to purchase firearms and ammunition for a mass-casualty operation. Additionally, one-way tickets to Kabul were booked for family members near Election Day 2024. Attorney General Blanche praised the ATRC’s role in Zada’s prompt removal, reinforcing national security policies that prohibit individuals who endorse terrorism from residing in the U.S.

“This landmark case underscores our commitment to using all available tools to safeguard American security,” Blanche claimed.

FBI Director Kash Patel described the swift legal action as vital to defending the homeland. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin reiterated President Trump’s focus on prioritizing American safety, emphasizing the administration’s intention to track and lawfully expel those who threaten national peace.

Prior to Zada’s expulsion, DOJ spokespeople expressed determination to utilize the ATRC and Congress-established avenues to bring alien terrorists to justice. This comes amid litigation disputes regarding the Alien Enemies Act’s application to deport suspected gang affiliates from Venezuela, with judges temporarily halting removal flights pending legal assessments.

The ATRC, created under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act in 1996, consists of five federal judges tasked with terrorism-related deportations when publicizing evidence threatens national security. In such cases, respondents receive unclassified summaries. Initially, some lawmakers criticized the secretive nature of the hearings. Despite dozens of discussed cases in its early years, the ATRC remained unused until now, with regular immigration courts addressing related matters.