The U.S. Department of Justice employed a rarely-used special court to deport Nazira Haji Zada, a legal U.S. resident, to Afghanistan. Court records reveal she admitted to being an “alien terrorist”. Prosecutors assert she aided a plan by her son and son-in-law for an Islamic State-inspired mass shooting on the 2024 Election Day.
Both men charged in the case will be deported after serving their prison terms. Her son, Abdullah Haji Zada, has received a 15-year sentence. Nazira Haji Zada was arrested in Fort Worth, Texas, and had her initial hearing in late July.
The Justice Department opted for civil proceedings at the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, avoiding criminal charges. This court allows deportations with a lower standard of proof and facilitates using classified evidence deemed a national security risk. The court was established by Congress in 1996 for such purposes.
“Dragging lawful permanent residents into court but refusing to show them or their attorneys the evidence that will be used against them is a plain violation of due process,” her attorneys stated.
On August 20, Haji Zada waived her rights to contest her detention, leading to an immediate deportation order by Senior U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen. Her admissions are excluded from criminal procedures, but documents were made public.
Her lawyers, Matthew Farley and Mary Manning Petras, challenged the constitutionality of the court, citing a lack of access to evidence. The government maintained the evidence remains classified to protect national security.
Haji Zada immigrated to the U.S. in 2018, with her husband having worked at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan for several years. Authorities accused her of attempting to radicalize her family, pledging loyalty to ISIS, and raising funds for terror activities. She allegedly sold family possessions to finance a move to ISIS-held territory and concealed these plans from her husband.
Her son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, admitted to plotting an attack between June and October 2024. He planned to acquire firearms and ammunition to execute a mass-casualty event. Tawhedi has pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges.
Attorney General Todd Blanche supported using the court, emphasizing its role in securing national safety. “This landmark case reflects the Department’s commitment to protecting our country,” Blanche remarked.
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