July 19, 2026

Justice Department Files First Petition with Alien Terrorist Removal Court

The Justice Department filed a petition for the deportation of an undisclosed individual labeled as an 'alien terrorist', marking the first use of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court since its establishment in 1996.
Chief Judge Joan Ericksen held a hearing and requested additional information from the government, highlighting the need for more thoughtful consideration of the case.
The court, created under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, had never before received a petition or conducted a hearing until this past Wednesday.