Afghan woman deported in first use of US Alien Terrorist Removal Court
News Source
β’Sat, 12 Sep 2026 19:02:39 +0000
π° What Happened
The United States has deported an Afghan woman named Nazira Haji Zada. She is 47 and had been living in Texas as a legal resident. The government says she helped hide a plan for a mass shooting in Oklahoma in 2024.
She was never charged with a crime. Her son and son-in-law pleaded guilty to related charges. This was the first time the US used a special court created 30 years ago.
π The Backstory
The Alien Terrorist Removal Court was created by Congress in 1996 to fight international terrorism. It has five judges serving five-year terms. It was almost never used before this case.
The court lets the government remove people it calls alien terrorists. Critics say the process gives suspects fewer rights. Haji Zada gave up her right to fight her case.
π― Why It Matters
This case could shape how the US removes people without a criminal trial. It also raises hard questions about fair treatment.
The United States has deported an Afghan woman named Nazira Haji Zada. She is 47 and had been living in Texas as a legal resident. The government says she helped hide a plan for a mass shooting in Oklahoma in 2024.
She was never charged with a crime. Her son and son-in-law pleaded guilty to related charges. This was the first time the US used a special court created 30 years ago.
The Alien Terrorist Removal Court was created by Congress in 1996 to fight international terrorism. It has five judges serving five-year terms. It was almost never used before this case.
The court lets the government remove people it calls alien terrorists. Critics say the process gives suspects fewer rights. Haji Zada gave up her right to fight her case.
This case could shape how the US removes people without a criminal trial. It also raises hard questions about fair treatment.