Afghan Woman in Texas Dubbed an "Alien Terrorist" Is Deported in DOJ's First Case Using Obscure Court
Updated on: September 11, 2026 / 11:17 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Nazira Haji Zada, an Afghan permanent resident in Texas, has been deported.
- The Justice Department accused her of being an "alien terrorist" in the first case of its kind.
- The deportation occurred via the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, created in 1996 for cases involving classified evidence.
- Targets in this court cannot review classified evidence against them and cannot legally challenge how it was collected.
- Haji Zada's son and son-in-law were previously convicted for an ISIS-inspired mass shooting plot.
- The Justice Department alleged Haji Zada supported their plans and attempted to radicalize her children.
- Haji Zada's lawyers were presented with extensive documentation supporting the government's claims.
- Haji Zada conceded to being an "alien terrorist" and waived appeal, terminating her residency status.
- Attorney General Todd Blanche stated this case is a win for national security and the rule of law.