Full Breakdown
First Public Hearing in the Alien Terrorist Removal Court
7/31/2026, 1:15:01 AM
Core Event
On Thursday, the Alien Terrorist Removal Court—a tribunal created in 1996 but never used—held its inaugural public hearing in Washington, D.C. The case concerns Nazira Haji Zada, a lawful permanent resident arrested in Fort Worth, Texas, and slated for removal under the Trump administration’s activation of the court. Defense attorney Matthew Farley, an assistant federal public defender, asked Chief Judge Joan Ericksen to dismiss the petition and release Zada; the judge denied the request but allowed the defense to renew the motion as proceedings continue.
Background of the Court
The Alien Terrorist Removal Court was established to conduct deportation proceedings against individuals the Justice Department designates as “alien terrorists.” Although the statute dates to 1996, no petition was filed until this month, when the Justice Department sought Zada’s removal. The court’s limited precedent means judges are operating without a clear procedural blueprint.
Case Details and Allegations
An FBI memo dated July 15 reported that Zada “developed information” indicating she supports the Islamic State and that her children pledged loyalty to the group. The memo also alleges she aided a plot by relatives to carry out an ISIS-inspired attack in the United States. Court filings identify Zada as the mother and mother-in-law of two Afghan men convicted in Oklahoma for a 2024 Election-Day plot. Her son, Abdullah Haji Zada, received a lengthy prison sentence and had previously agreed to be removed from the United States after release; her son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to ISIS.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Ericksen, a senior judge appointed by President George W. Bush, emphasized that the matter is civil, not criminal, and noted the court is still building its “infrastructure.” Justice Department attorney Hayden O’Byrne read a brief case summary, noting that classified information underpins the FBI investigation and cannot be disclosed publicly.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This entire scheme is in violation of due process and unconstitutional.” — Matthew Farley, attorney
- “This is a runaround for bringing a criminal case,” — Matthew Farley, attorney
- “The allegations in this case show the matriarch of an ISIS-sympathizing family aiding in a plot to launch a mass casualty attack on American voters on Election Day. The Department’s application in this court makes clear that terrorists have no place in the United States of America,” — General Todd Blanche, acting attorney
