Trump administration appeals to never-before-used court for deportation

The Trump administration has activated a specialized court mechanism that has remained unused for nearly three decades to pursue the removal of Nazira Haji Zada from the United States. Haji Zada, a 47-year-old resident of Fort Worth, Texas, has not been charged with any crime, yet prosecutors argue she should be deported based on her alleged involvement in a plot involving her two sons.

The case centers on an alleged shooting plan set for the 2024 election. Haji Zada's sons, Tawhedi and Abdullah Haji Zada, were arrested in October 2024 after attempting to purchase firearms and ammunition from an undercover FBI agent. Both men subsequently pleaded guilty; Abdullah is serving a 15-year sentence while Tawhedi awaits sentencing. No charges have been filed against their mother.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the use of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, stating that Congress established it specifically to address cases involving alleged foreign terrorists. The Justice Department contends there is sufficient evidence against Haji Zada, though it has declined to publicly disclose classified information central to its case, citing national security concerns. A judge presiding over the hearing expressed skepticism regarding this argument, noting that courts typically have procedures for handling classified materials.

The government's allegations against Haji Zada include claims that she encouraged her sons' sympathies toward ISIS and planned to travel to Afghanistan on a one-way ticket before the alleged attack. Her attorney, public defender Matthew Farley, has characterized the proceedings as unconstitutional and an attempt to circumvent standard legal protections for foreign nationals as part of the administration's broader deportation agenda.