A banner with an image of President Trump was displayed on the facade of the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C., in February 2026. The Justice Department is making its first move to use a special court to seek the removal of a woman accused of supporting the Islamic State.

The DOJ aims to deport Nazira Haji Zada, a lawful permanent resident in the United States. Her initial court appearance is set for Thursday. This marks the first time the DOJ has resorted to the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, established by Congress in 1996. The court allows the use of classified evidence to expedite deportation from American soil.

Authorities have initiated the process against Zada, a 47-year-old resident of Fort Worth, Texas. Her son and son-in-law were previously charged and imprisoned for attempting to interfere with the 2024 elections on behalf of the Islamic State. After serving their sentences, they will face deportation.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, “The allegations in this case show the matriarch of an ISIS-sympathizing family aiding a plot to launch a mass casualty attack on American voters on Election Day.” He emphasized that terrorists have no place in the United States.

Judge Joan Ericksen, chief judge of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, will oversee the proceedings.