Story perspectives

DOJ Files First Sealed Petition in 1996 Alien Terrorist Court

7/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 1996 Alien Terrorist Removal Court received its first petition this week.
The Justice Department filed a sealed petition on Wednesday seeking removal of an unnamed alien terrorist.
Chief Judge Joan Ericksen held a Thursday hearing and asked for more information by the following Wednesday.
Chief Justice John Roberts appointed the five-member panel under the 1996 Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act, which Court Watch said is sealed and unnamed.

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Story summary

The 1996 Alien Terrorist Removal Court received its first petition this week.
The Justice Department filed a sealed petition on Wednesday seeking removal of an unnamed alien terrorist.
Chief Judge Joan Ericksen held a Thursday hearing and asked for more information by the following Wednesday.
Chief Justice John Roberts appointed the five-member panel under the 1996 Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act, which Court Watch said is sealed and unnamed.