Afghan Woman Deported After Terrorism-Related Charges

An Afghan woman has been deported after being accused of involvement in a plot linked to ISIS aimed at carrying out an attack on Election Day in 2024. This marks the first use of the U.S. Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC) by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The DOJ announced on Friday that Nazira Haji Zada, 47, previously residing in Fort Worth, Texas, was removed from the U.S. Zada admitted to collaborating with at least one other person to acquire two AK-47 rifles, 500 rounds of ammunition, and 10 magazines for the purpose of executing an attack on or around November 5, 2024, on behalf of ISIS.

Described by officials as the “matriarch” of her family, Zada’s son, Abdullah Haji Zada, and son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, had already been detained and convicted in connection with the same Election Day plot.

Her case was significant as it was the first brought before the ATRC since its establishment by Congress in 1996. The process to remove her began on July 15, with Attorney General Todd Blanche certifying the application. Zada made her first court appearance on July 30 before ATRC Chief Judge Joan N. Ericksen, who signed the removal order.

The DOJ stated that the U.S. government provided Zada with two federal public defenders along with a substantial amount of documentation supporting the government’s case, amounting to nearly half a terabyte of data.

“This landmark case, resulting in the prompt removal of this alien terrorist to her country of origin, is a win for national security and the rule of law,” said Blanche. “Those who support and condone terrorism should not be living in the United States, and this first-ever case before the ATRC shows how the Department will use every tool at its disposal to protect our country.”

Both Tawhedi and Abdullah were arrested on October 7, 2024, after acquiring weapons and ammunition from an undercover FBI agent.

At the time of his arrest, Abdullah was 17 and pleaded guilty as an adult, receiving a 15-year prison sentence. He will also face deportation to Afghanistan after serving his sentence.

In June 2025, Tawhedi, then 28, pleaded guilty to charges related to providing material support to ISIS and the illegal acquisition of firearms. Sentencing is still pending for him.

“This is a historic and vitally important step in our work to protect the U.S. homeland from terrorism,” stated Kash Patel, director of national security. “An individual who supported a plot by ISIS-sympathizing family members to commit an attack in America has paid the price for that. She came to our country, betrayed it, and has now lost the right to live here and enjoy our democratic freedoms.”

John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, emphasized that Zada’s actions represented a misuse of the privileges granted to her as a resident alien, calling her a direct threat to U.S. security. He noted that the U.S. is safer with her removal and her sons in custody.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott added, “Those who support terrorism against the American people will face the consequences. We will secure our borders and use every tool available to prevent those who mean us harm from entering or staying in our country.”