Archive · 12 Sep 2026
US Deports Afghan Woman After First Alien Terrorist Court Case
The United States deported Nazira Haji Zada, an Afghan woman, to Afghanistan.
The government said she supported a plan for a mass shooting in the United States.
Her case was the first one handled by a special court called the Alien Terrorist Removal Court.
This court can consider secret evidence when officials say sharing it could harm national security.
Zada agreed that she was an alien terrorist and did not appeal the deportation order.
Her son and another person admitted planning an attack on US election day in 2024.
Investigators said they bought rifles and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee.
The Justice Department described the deportation as a victory for national security and the rule of law.
Nazira Haji Zada was deported to Afghanistan on August 25 after an Alien Terrorist Removal Court order.
The Department of Justice said the case was the first ever heard by the court, established by Congress 30 years ago.
The court permits classified evidence when public disclosure could threaten national security.
Zada conceded that she was an alien terrorist and waived her right to appeal the removal order.
Her son, Abdullah Haji Zada, and Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi pleaded guilty to plotting a mass-casualty attack for the Islamic State.
- Who
- Nazira Haji Zada, the Department of Justice, and the Alien Terrorist Removal Court were central to the case; her son Abdullah Haji Zada and Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi were linked to the alleged plot.
- What
- The United States deported Zada to Afghanistan after the court ordered her removal in the first case it had handled.
- When
- Zada was removed on August 25; the Justice Department announced it on September 11, the 25th anniversary of the 2001 attacks.
- Where
- Zada was removed from the United States and sent to Afghanistan; the court proceedings took place in Washington.
- Why
- The Justice Department said Zada supported a planned mass-casualty attack and that her removal protected national security.
- Deported person
- Nazira Haji Zada, 47
- Destination
- Afghanistan
- Removal date
- August 25
- Court
- Alien Terrorist Removal Court
- Court's first use
- The case was the court's first since its establishment by Congress 30 years ago.
- Alleged plot
- A planned mass-casualty attack on US election day in 2024
- Related convictions
- Abdullah Haji Zada pleaded guilty and received 15 years in prison; Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi pleaded guilty and was awaiting sentencing.