What You Need to Know
• The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to utilize the Alien Terrorist Removal Court for the first time.
• This court was established in 1996 to expedite the deportation of noncitizens classified as “alien terrorists.”
• The Justice Department filed its initial application for removal on July 15, 2023, under classified conditions.
The U.S. Department of Justice is attempting to use the Alien Terrorist Removal Court to expedite the deportation of suspected “alien terrorists.” This court, created by Congress in 1996 and signed into law by President Bill Clinton, is designed for noncitizens who cannot be removed through traditional legal processes due to classified information. The Justice Department’s first application for removal was filed on July 15, 2023, and is largely classified. The application was made public only after the launch of an official court website, which occurred several days later, limiting lawmakers’ ability to question Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche during his confirmation hearing about this significant legal move.
Why It Matters
The Alien Terrorist Removal Court has been largely inactive since its establishment, existing only on paper until now. The court’s proceedings allow the government to present classified evidence against noncitizens without the defendants being able to challenge its validity. This development raises important questions about due process and national security, as the Justice Department must demonstrate that the individual poses a national security threat. The implications of this court’s use could significantly impact immigration law and civil liberties in the United States.
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