Summary
Nazira Haji Zada, 47, an Afghan national who previously resided in Fort Worth, Texas, was removed from the United States after conceding that she is an alien terrorist. The case represents the first-ever case brought before the United States Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC).
Zada was accused of supporting an ISIS-inspired mass-shooting plot targeting Election Day in 2024 involving members of her family. Her son, Abdullah Haji Zada, and son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, were previously arrested in connection with the planned attack.
The ATRC issued Zada’s removal order on August 20, which was unsealed after she was returned to her country of origin. She conceded the government’s allegations and waived her right to appeal, making her permanently inadmissible to the United States.
Key Details of the Case
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual | Nazira Haji Zada |
| Age | 47 |
| Nationality | Afghan |
| Previous residence | Fort Worth, Texas |
| Court | United States Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC) |
| Case significance | First case ever brought before the ATRC |
| Removal order | August 20 |
| Application for removal | Filed July 15 |
| First court appearance | July 30 |
| Presiding judge | ATRC Chief Judge Joan N. Ericksen |
| Government certification | Attorney General Todd Blanche |
| Alleged terrorist connection | Support for an ISIS-inspired Election Day attack |
| Son | Abdullah Haji Zada |
| Son-in-law | Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi |
| Removal destination | Afghanistan |
| Appeal | Waived |
| Current status | Removed and permanently inadmissible to the United States |
First Case Before the Alien Terrorist Removal Court
ATRC Used for the First Time
The United States Alien Terrorist Removal Court was established by Congress decades ago, but according to the information provided, no previous administration had used the court before Zada’s case.
The government filed its application to remove Zada on July 15, after the application was certified by Attorney General Todd Blanche. Zada appeared in open court for the first time on July 30.
ATRC Chief Judge Joan N. Ericksen presided over the hearing and subsequently signed the removal order.
Classified Information and Evidence
In accordance with the ATRC statute, the government used classified information to establish its case that Zada was an alien terrorist.
At the same time, the government provided Zada and her two federal public defenders with approximately half a terabyte of documents supporting the government’s case.
Zada ultimately conceded that she was an alien terrorist and waived her right to appeal the removal order. Her concession and waiver resulted in the termination of her previous status and her removal from the United States.
Zada’s Alleged Role in the ISIS-Inspired Plot
Support for an Election Day Attack
According to the government’s allegations, Zada supported a plot by members of her family to carry out an ISIS-inspired mass shooting on Election Day 2024.
Her son, Abdullah Haji Zada, and son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, were arrested on October 7, 2024, after purchasing firearms and ammunition intended for an Election Day terrorist attack from an undercover FBI employee.
The government characterized Zada as the matriarch of the family and alleged that she supported the terrorist plot while residing in the United States.
Abdullah Haji Zada
Zada’s son, Abdullah Haji Zada, was 17 years old at the time of his arrest. He later entered a guilty plea as an adult and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Under his plea agreement, Abdullah stipulated to the entry of a judicial order removing him from the United States to Afghanistan after completing his prison sentence.
He acknowledged that the removal order would terminate his lawful permanent resident status. He also waived his right to appeal his conviction except in limited circumstances and agreed not to seek forms of relief from his removal and deportation, including asylum.
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi and the Planned Attack
Terrorism-Related Guilty Pleas
Tawhedi, 28, pleaded guilty to two terrorism-related offenses.
The offenses involved:
- Conspiring and attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
- Receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism.
Tawhedi entered his guilty plea on June 13, 2025, and was awaiting sentencing according to the information provided.
Firearms and Ammunition Allegedly Acquired for the Plot
According to court documents, Tawhedi admitted that between June 2024 and October 2024, he conspired with at least one other individual to obtain weapons and ammunition for a planned mass-casualty attack.
The alleged intended purchases included:
- Two AK-47 rifles
- 500 rounds of ammunition
- 10 magazines
The attack was allegedly intended to take place on or around November 5, 2024, Election Day, on behalf of ISIS.
ISIS Communications and Family Preparations
Alleged Communication With an ISIS Facilitator
According to a criminal complaint affidavit filed in the case, Tawhedi communicated with an ISIS facilitator concerning his plans to obtain firearms for the terrorist plot.
The complaint alleged that Tawhedi asked the individual whether 500 rounds of ammunition would be sufficient for the planned attack.
The alleged communication formed part of the government’s evidence concerning the planned attack and its connection to ISIS.
Selling Family Property to Raise Funds
According to the criminal complaint, the family took steps in 2024 to raise funds for the planned attack.
The family allegedly began selling property, including:
- Furniture
- Computers
- A mobile phone
These activities were described in the criminal complaint as part of the alleged preparations to raise funds for the attack.
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Government Statements on Zada’s Removal
Attorney General Todd Blanche
Attorney General Todd Blanche described the case as a landmark proceeding and said the removal of Zada demonstrated the government’s use of available legal tools to protect national security.
He emphasized that individuals who support or condone terrorism should not be living in the United States.
FBI Director Kash Patel
FBI Director Kash Patel described the case as a historic step in efforts to protect the U.S. homeland from terrorism.
He stated that an individual who supported a plot involving ISIS-sympathizing family members to carry out an attack in America had faced consequences for that conduct.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin
Secretary Markwayne Mullin of the Department of Homeland Security said the administration had made the safety and security of Americans a priority.
He pointed to the use of the ATRC to remove Zada as an example of that approach and credited coordinated efforts by the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and State.
Mullin stated that Zada’s final order of removal was final and emphasized that individuals who plot terrorist acts against the United States have no place in the country.
Statements From Justice and State Department Officials
Assistant Attorney General for National Security
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. said Zada supported her sons’ terrorist plot while residing in the United States as a resident alien.
He characterized her alleged conduct as a threat to national security and stated that the United States was safer following the arrests of her sons and her deportation.
State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott
State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that individuals who support terrorism against Americans would face consequences.
He also emphasized border security and the use of available tools to prevent individuals considered threats from entering or remaining in the United States.
Pigott said the State Department would continue working with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to protect Americans and the security of the United States.
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Investigation and Prosecution Details
October 7, 2024 Arrests
The investigation into the family’s alleged terrorist plot led to the arrests of Tawhedi and Abdullah Haji Zada on October 7, 2024.
The arrests followed the alleged purchase of firearms and ammunition intended for an Election Day attack from an undercover FBI employee.
The government’s case concerning Zada subsequently proceeded through the newly used Alien Terrorist Removal Court mechanism.
Removal Proceedings
The government filed its removal application against Zada on July 15 after certification by the Attorney General.
The first open-court appearance occurred on July 30, with Chief Judge Joan N. Ericksen presiding. The ATRC later issued the removal order on August 20.
The order was unsealed after Zada had been returned to her country of origin. She had conceded that she was an alien terrorist and waived her appeal rights.
National Security and Use of the ATRC
Historic Use of a Long-Standing Court
The Zada proceeding is significant because it marked the first case brought before the United States Alien Terrorist Removal Court since Congress established the court decades ago.
The government relied on classified information as well as a substantial body of documents provided to Zada and her attorneys.
Her concession and waiver of appeal allowed the removal order to become final, ending her previous status in the United States and resulting in her permanent inadmissibility.
Coordinated Federal Enforcement
The case involved coordinated efforts by federal agencies responsible for national security, immigration enforcement, law enforcement, and foreign affairs.
The government described the removal as part of its broader effort to use lawful authorities to address individuals alleged to pose terrorism-related threats to the United States.
To read the original order please visit DOJ (Department of Justice) website.