The U.S. government has completed the deportation of Nazira Haji Zada, an Afghan national and lawful permanent resident. This action follows a ruling by Chief Judge Joan Ericksen in the federal Alien Terrorist Removal Court, a specialized judicial body that had remained dormant since its creation in 1996. This case represents the first time the court has been utilized to finalize a removal order.

According to the Justice Department, Zada was accused of providing assistance to her son and son-in-law in connection with a foiled shooting plot that occurred in 2024. The proceedings were recently unsealed, shedding light on the government's use of this specific legal mechanism.

Legal analysts note that the use of this court is significant because it allows the government to pursue removal orders while maintaining a high degree of secrecy regarding the evidence presented. By utilizing this court, the administration can bypass traditional immigration court procedures, which typically require more transparent disclosure of evidence. While the DOJ frames this as a successful application of national security law, the case highlights the tension between government secrecy and the due process rights of lawful permanent residents. Because this is the first time the court has been activated, it sets a legal precedent that could be used in future cases involving individuals the government links to terrorism.