Justice Department Activates Untested Court for “Alien Terrorist” Deportations

The U.S. Justice Department has filed its first-ever petition to activate the long-dormant Alien Terrorist Removal Court, created in 1996 to handle government requests to deport suspected “alien terrorists.” The court received no petitions for decades until last week, when the administration submitted an under-seal application seeking removal of an individual whose name is withheld. Chief Judge Joan Ericksen said a hearing was held, during which the court raised questions about the “nexus” between the person’s alleged actions and the legal sections invoked. The government was ordered to provide more information.