An Afghan woman, Nazira Haji Zada, is deported from the United States to Afghanistan after being pursued through a specialized federal court created for removing “alien terrorists.” The Justice Department says the case is the first to be handled in the Alien Terrorist Removal Court since the court’s establishment roughly three decades ago.
Haji Zada, 47, had been living in Texas as a lawful permanent resident when she was arrested in July on allegations involving support for the Islamic State. After her arrest, she agrees to not contest her removal and enters an admission of being an “alien terrorist” in proceedings before the court.
Across outlets, the focus is on the novelty of the venue and its secrecy. Reuters and The Washington Post describe the court as little-known and emphasize that it is using in practice for the first time. Fox News adds context about Congress creating the court following an ISIS “Election Day” plot, underscoring the court’s original purpose, while all sources report the deportation to Afghanistan following the admission and resolution of her case.
