The Justice Department is attempting to deport Nazira Haji Zada, a 47-year-old Afghan woman living in Fort Worth, Texas, by presenting her case to the Alien Terrorist Removal Court in Washington, D.C. This court, established in 1996 but never before convened, handles cases involving noncitizens accused of terrorism when classified information is involved. Zada is accused of supporting a plot linked to the Islamic State to attack voters on Election Day 2024, although she has not been charged with any terrorism-related crimes. Her son and son-in-law have pleaded guilty to related charges. The government claims Zada pledged loyalty to ISIS and helped radicalize her family. The court proceedings are unique because the accused cannot see the classified evidence against them or challenge how it was obtained. This case marks the first test of the court’s function since its creation.
QUESTION: How might the use of secretive courts like the Alien Terrorist Removal Court impact public trust in the justice system?
DOJ asking secretive court to remove Afghan woman allegedly tied to terror plot
