Alien Terrorist Removal Court Reactivated by DOJ for First Time

On July 15, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) submitted a request to the Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC), marking the first use of this court since its establishment in 1996. The details of the deportation request remain confidential, as required by the court's rules. District Judge Joan Ericksen indicated that further information was needed from the DOJ by July 22 to address questions about the government's claims regarding the case. The ATRC was created to expedite the removal of foreign terrorists and allows for secret proceedings, with the affected individuals not being informed until after a judge approves the request. The court's activation coincides with the Trump administration's efforts to increase deportations, with a reported goal of detaining 2,000 individuals daily. In June 2026, a record 100,773 removal cases were closed, attributed to a significant rise in orders issued by immigration judges. The ATRC has not previously been operational, but it has been referenced in past legal discussions regarding deportation processes. The government has also utilized the Alien Enemies Act to justify the removal of certain migrants, which has raised concerns about due process and human rights.