DOJ Utilizes Secretive Court to Expedite Deportation of Suspected Terrorist
The U.S. Department of Justice is testing the limits of a rarely used federal immigration court, the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, to expedite the deportation of a suspected 'alien terrorist.' This court, established in 1996, has never been used before. It was designed to handle cases involving noncitizens who pose a national security threat, where the evidence is classified and cannot be disclosed publicly. The Justice Department must demonstrate probable cause that the individual is a noncitizen terrorist. The process is largely secretive, with filings made under seal and reviewed only by the judge and the government. The defendant can hire an attorney, and if they are a green card holder, the government can appoint one with a security clearance. The court's first application was filed on July 15, 2026, and is mostly classified. The case has prompted the court to request more information from the Justice Department. 
