Trump Activates Dormant Alien Terrorist Removal Court for First Case

The Justice Department, under President Donald Trump, filed the first-ever application to the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, a national‑security tribunal created by a 1996 law but never used. The filing was made on July 15, followed by a court order on July 16 and a supplemental filing on July 22. The respondent’s identity, alleged conduct and supporting evidence remain classified and have not been disclosed publicly.

Chief Judge Joan Ericksen held a hearing a day after the filing, questioned the connection between the alleged actions and the statutory provisions, and ordered the department to provide additional information before any removal hearing can be scheduled. The court has not yet approved the application, scheduled a public hearing, or ordered any deportation, leaving the next steps pending.

This marks the first activation of the dormant court, which had existed only on paper for three decades, and could set a precedent for future use of the removal mechanism.