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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedSeptember 11, 2026Miami-Dade County

Justice Department deports Nazira Haji Zada following first-ever case before the Alien Terrorist Removal Court

Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

Nazira Haji Zada, a 47-year-old Afghan woman, has been deported to Afghanistan after waiving her rights to challenge her detention and agreeing to removal. The case marked the first time the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, established in 1996, was utilized in its history.

ImmigrationDeportationNational SecurityCourtsTerrorism
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Why It Matters

The case concludes the first-ever legal proceeding under the 30-year-old , averting a constitutional challenge over its procedures regarding classified evidence and non-citizen deportations.

Key Facts

  • Nazira Haji Zada was deported to Afghanistan after waiving her rights to challenge her detention.
  • The case was the first proceeding for the Alien Terrorist Removal Court since its establishment in 1996.
  • Haji Zada was arrested in July at her Fort Worth, Texas, home by the Justice Department.
  • Defense attorneys stated that her consent to removal should not be viewed as an endorsement of the court's legitimacy due to due process concerns over withheld evidence.
  • Judge Joan Ericksen presided over the court's first hearing on July 30.
  • Haji Zada is the mother and mother-in-law of two men convicted in Oklahoma of plotting an attack in the U.S.
  • Her son, Abdullah Haji Zada, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in November.
  • Her son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State group.

Who's Mentioned

PersonNazira Haji Zada“Afghan woman accused of supporting a terrorist plot, subject of the deportation ”PersonAbdullah Haji Zada“Son of Nazira Haji Zada, sentenced to 15 years in prison.”PersonJoan Ericksen“Judge who presided over the court's first hearing.”OrganizationJustice Department“Brought the application to deport Nazira Haji Zada.”PersonMatthew Farley“Attorney representing Nazira Haji Zada.”OrganizationAlien Terrorist Removal Court“Obscure and long-dormant court that heard the case.”PersonNasir Ahmad Tawhedi“Son-in-law of Nazira Haji Zada, pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges.”PersonTodd Blanche“Attorney General who commented on the case's outcome.”PersonMarkwayne Mullin“Homeland Security Secretary who commented on the removal.”