Story perspectives

First Alien Terrorist Court Orders Afghan Deportation Amid Constitution Challenge

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche authorized the deportation of Afghan Nazira Haji Zada after her Fort Worth arrest.
Chief Judge Joan Ericksen presided over a Thursday 11:30 EDT hearing in Washington, marking the first use of the 1996-established Alien Terrorist Removal Court.
Federal defender Matthew Farley argued the secret deportation process violates the Constitution, despite prosecutors citing classified evidence to support the removal request.

History

Historical Context

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, President George W. Bush signed the USA PATRIOT Act 45 days later, expanding the Immigration and Nationality Act to let the Attorney General detain suspected terrorist aliens without trial. The law prompted the Justice Department, Homeland Security and FBI to pursue removal cases, while courts have already struck several provisions as unconstitutional, raising the possibility that future deportations will require open hearings.

1 of 2

Story summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche authorized the deportation of Afghan Nazira Haji Zada after her Fort Worth arrest.
Chief Judge Joan Ericksen presided over a Thursday 11:30 EDT hearing in Washington, marking the first use of the 1996-established Alien Terrorist Removal Court.
Federal defender Matthew Farley argued the secret deportation process violates the Constitution, despite prosecutors citing classified evidence to support the removal request.

1 / 2