HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Afghan grandmother deported after first-ever case in Alien Terrorist Removal Court

Aug 20, 2026·Location: TX

Country of origin: Afghanistan

Afghan grandmother deported after first-ever case in Alien Terrorist Removal Court
Photo via abcnews.com

Nazira Haji Zada, a 47-year-old Afghan lawful permanent resident, was arrested at her home in Fort Worth, Texas, in July 2026 after prosecutors alleged she supported a plan by her son and son-in-law to carry out an ISIS-inspired mass shooting on Election Day 2024. Rather than face criminal charges, the Justice Department pursued the first-ever case against her in the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, a specialized federal tribunal created in 1996 but never previously used, which permits the use of classified evidence. Her court-appointed public defenders challenged the proceedings on due process grounds and questioned the court's constitutionality, arguing evidence had been withheld from her defense, though the judge allowed the case to proceed. Haji Zada ultimately waived her right to contest the proceedings and consented to removal, and a federal judge ordered her deportation to Afghanistan on August 20. Her son Abdullah was separately sentenced to 15 years in prison, and her son-in-law pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges.

Timeline

Aug 20, 2026—Haji Zada waives right to contest proceedings; federal judge orders her deportation to Afghanistan
Jul 30, 2026—First-ever case filed against her in the Alien Terrorist Removal Court; public defenders challenge proceedings on due process grounds
Jul 1, 2026—Nazira Haji Zada arrested at her home in Fort Worth, Texas, over alleged support for an ISIS-inspired plot
Suggest a correction, comment, or update

Sources

Related incidents