The US Justice Department has filed the first case in the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, a specialised court created in 1996 that had never previously heard a case. The move could create a new route for deporting non-citizens accused of terrorism where classified evidence is central, and has renewed debate over due process and the use of secret evidence.

The filing was made on 15 July by the Justice Department’s National Security Division, but the identity of the person and allegations remain classified. Chief Judge Joan Ericksen has requested further information before deciding whether there is probable cause; if approved, the case could proceed to the court’s first public removal hearing. The court allows the government to use classified material, while critics argue its procedures may limit defendants’ ability to challenge evidence.