An Afghan woman has been deported to her home country after being accused of supporting a plan for a mass shooting inspired by ISIS on Election Day 2024. This marks the first successful use of the U.S. Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC), a specialized federal court established three decades ago by Congress. The court determines whether a non-citizen qualifies as an ‘alien terrorist.’
Nazira Haji Zada, aged 47, was sent back to Afghanistan after admitting to the ATRC that she was an ‘alien terrorist,’ according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). She waived her right to appeal the decision.
“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,” stated Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Those who support and condone terrorism should not be living in the United States, and this first-ever case before the ATRC shows how the DOJ will use every tool at its disposal to protect our country.”
Zada’s son, Abdullah Haji Zada, and her son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, were previously convicted for their roles in the planned attack. They were arrested in October 2024 for attempting to purchase firearms and ammunition from an undercover FBI agent. The pair later confessed to acquiring AK-47 rifles to conduct a mass shooting on behalf of the Islamic State. Abdullah received a 15-year prison sentence while Tawhedi awaits sentencing.
Zada, who had been a permanent resident in Fort Worth, Texas, is permanently banned from returning to the U.S. The court issued her removal order on August 20.
“An individual who supported a plot by ISIS-sympathizing family members to commit an attack in America has paid the price for that. She came to our country, betrayed it, and has now lost the right to live here and enjoy our democratic freedoms. This FBI and our Justice Department partners will protect the American people from the threat of terrorism, using all means necessary,” commented FBI Director Kash Patel on the deportation.
The Zada family reportedly began selling belongings to finance the attack, buying one-way tickets to Kabul, except for her son and Tawhedi.
Haji Zada’s lawyers argue that her consent to removal should not imply endorsement of the court’s validity.
“Dragging lawful permanent residents into court but refusing to show them or their attorneys the evidence that will be used against them is a plain violation of due process,” said the defense team in a statement. “We are confident that the Alien Terrorist Removal Court will be struck down as unconstitutional as soon as a judge is asked to address the issue.”
This case is the ATRC’s first instance of utilization since its congressional authorization in 1996.