Trump Administration Files First Case with Alien Terrorist Removal Court

The Trump administration has filed its first application for a removal order with the Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC) on July 15, 2026. This marks the first use of the court, which has not heard any cases since its establishment nearly 30 years ago, to deport a noncitizen suspected of terrorism. The ATRC allows the government to use classified evidence in deportation proceedings. A Justice Department spokesperson stated that the department will utilize all available tools to address terrorism-related cases. Chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg previously suggested the ATRC as an alternative for handling such cases. The ATRC was created through the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, signed into law by President Bill Clinton. The court consists of five federal district judges who handle cases where the evidence cannot be disclosed for national security reasons. The Justice Department's application did not disclose the identity of the individual involved or specific allegations. ATRC Chief Judge Joan N. Erickson has requested additional information from the Justice Department before proceeding.