In February 2026, an image of President Trump was prominently displayed on the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters’ facade in Washington, D.C. This visual was captured by Drew Angerer of AFP via Getty Images.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is for the first time using a special court to advocate for the removal of a woman accused of supporting the Islamic State. The DOJ aims to utilize the Alien Terrorist Removal Court for the deportation of Nazira Haji Zada, a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Her initial court hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Congress established the Alien Terrorist Removal Court in 1996. This court was designed to allow the Justice Department to utilize classified evidence for deporting individuals from the U.S. soil in a more straightforward manner. Despite its existence, the DOJ has never activated this court until now. The DOJ initiated proceedings against Zada, a 47-year-old resident of Fort Worth, Texas.
Criminal charges have already been filed against Zada’s son and son-in-law. They were accused of plotting attacks during the 2024 elections on behalf of the Islamic State, a well-known terrorist organization. Both men were sentenced to prison and are slated for deportation following the completion of their sentences.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche commented on the case. “The allegations in this case demonstrate the head of a family supporting ISIS, assisting in a scheme for a mass casualty attack on voters during Election Day. The Department’s application in this court clarifies that terrorists have no place in the United States,” he stated.
Judge Joan Ericksen, the chief judge of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, will be overseeing the case.
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