US News

United States deports Afghan woman in first case before specialized removal court

Nazira Haji Zada agreed to leave after the Justice Department sought her deportation through the Alien Terrorist Removal Court.

Updated Sep 11, 2026 · 16:49 UTC3 reports

The short version

Nazira Haji Zada, a 47-year-old Afghan national, was deported following a Justice Department petition to the Alien Terrorist Removal Court.[CBS News · ABC News]
The Justice Department said she waived her rights to challenge her detention and agreed to deportation.[ABC News]
Her attorneys stated that consenting to removal does not endorse the court's legitimacy, arguing the proceedings violated due process.[The Washington Sun]
Officials have not disclosed the exact timing of her departure or her final destination.[ABC News]

Nazira Haji Zada was deported after the Justice Department initiated proceedings against her in the Alien Terrorist Removal Court.[CBS News · ABC News]
According to the Justice Department, Haji Zada waived her right to contest her detention and consented to be removed.[ABC News]
The Alien Terrorist Removal Court was created in 1996 and had never handled a petition prior to July.[ABC News]
Attorney General Todd Blanche described the resolution of the matter as a victory for national security and the rule of law.[ABC News]
Attorneys representing Haji Zada stated that consenting to removal was not an endorsement of the court's authority and argued the process breached constitutional due process.[The Washington Sun]

The exact timing of Haji Zada's departure and the country to which she was removed have not been made clear.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.