Justice Department Files First Case in New Alien Terrorist Removal Court

The Justice Department has filed the first case in the newly created Alien Terrorist Removal Court, seeking to deport Nazira Haji Zada, a 47-year-old Afghan national who resides in Fort Worth, Texas.

DOJ announced the filing on July 30, 2026. The department alleges that Haji Zada supported plans by family members for an Election Day shooting. The allegation has not been established as a criminal conviction, and the government has not announced that the alleged shooting was carried out.

Because it is the first case filed in the court, the proceeding will be an early test of how the federal government uses the new removal mechanism. It also brings together three issues with broad national consequences: immigration enforcement, terrorism-related allegations and election security.

According to the Justice Department, Haji Zada supported family plans involving a shooting on Election Day. The announcement identifies her as 47 and says she resides in Fort Worth, Texas. DOJ is seeking her removal from the United States.