First Use of ‘Zombie Court’ to Deport Suspected Terrorist

The United States has used the ‘zombie court’ for the first time to deport an ISIS plot supporter. The Trump Administration’s Department of Justice (DOJ) utilized the United States Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC) to remove 47-year-old Afghan national Nazira Haji Zada. Zada supported her sons’ ISIS-inspired plan for a mass shooting on Election Day 2024. This removal order, filed in July, was unsealed on August 20. Zada is now permanently inadmissible to the U.S., according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The ATRC, created nearly 30 years ago, allows the U.S. to deport noncitizens suspected of terrorism through a specialized judicial process using classified evidence. It had previously never been used. This successful invocation by the Trump administration revives the ATRC as a potential tool for dealing with suspected terrorists.

Attorney General Todd Blanche initiated the removal application with the ATRC in July. ATRC Chief Judge Joan Ericksen presided over Zada’s hearing and signed the removal order. Classified information was used to demonstrate that Zada is an alien terrorist. The DOJ provided Zada’s lawyers with substantial documentation to support the government’s case.

Court documents revealed that Zada and her family began selling their possessions in 2024 to finance the attack. Items sold included furniture, electronics, and vehicles. Her son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, planned to acquire weapons and ammunition for a mass attack on or near November 5, 2024.

Blanche described the case as landmark event in national security, emphasizing that those who support terrorism should be removed from the United States.

FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the importance of this case for homeland security. Patel stated that Zada, who betrayed the U.S., has now been removed, losing the right to live in America.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin reiterated President Trump’s commitment to prioritizing American safety. Mullin said that using the ATRC came under the president’s guidance to deal with terrorism threats effectively.

The ATRC was established under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, signed by President Bill Clinton. It consists of five federal district judges serving five-year terms. The court handles deportation cases involving classified national security evidence.

Hans von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow, criticized past administrations for not using the ATRC. He believes this court addresses terrorism-related deportations swiftly without interference from judges who may obstruct the government’s efforts.