Justice Department Activates Alien Terrorist Removal Court

Why it matters locally: As the seat of the federal government, the District of Columbia is home to numerous federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, making federal court activations directly relevant to the operations and legal landscape within the city.

---

The Department of Justice commenced its first action in the Alien Terrorist Removal Court on Wednesday. Congress established this specialized tribunal in 1996. The court had not received a petition since its inception until this week's filing. The Alien Terrorist Removal Court operates under a framework outlined by federal legislation. Its purpose involves adjudicating specific cases related to individuals deemed alien terrorists. Prior to this week, the court's functions remained dormant for over two decades.