REVEALED: Abdul El-Sayed's relative sued Obama admin over terror watch list inclusion—now they are campaigning together

Former President Barack Obama is set to campaign for Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed despite his sister-in-law having sued federal officials over claims that she was placed on the terrorist watchlist during the Obama administration.

Mariam Jukaku was among the plaintiffs in two lawsuits brought against US government officials with assistance from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The lawsuits challenged the alleged inclusion of individuals in the federal government’s terrorist screening database. One sought an injunction to remove the plaintiffs and a declaration that their constitutional rights had been violated. The other sought compensatory damages and reimbursement of legal fees.

Jukaku was also present at a CAIR press conference announcing the suits, according to a report by The Federalist.

Before the lawsuits were filed, Jukaku submitted a complaint to the Department of Homeland Security after noticing in 2012 that her boarding pass had been stamped with the “SSSS” designation, which Jukaku alleged indicated “that she had been designated as a ‘known or suspected terrorist.'” Neither DHS nor the FBI confirmed that Jukaku had been placed on the list or subsequently removed. The FBI stated that it is policy not to confirm or deny an individual’s inclusion on the dataset, commonly known as the terrorist watchlist.

The two lawsuits were dismissed in 2017 and 2021. CAIR, which assisted with the lawsuits, has faced scrutiny over its political activities and has been designated as a terrorist organization by multiple states. Texas Governor Greg Abbott designated CAIR a foreign terrorist organization last November, citing that CAIR, along with the Muslim Brotherhood, has made it clear their goal is to "forcibly impose Sharia law and establish Islam’s 'mastership of the world.'"

Obama is scheduled to campaign with El-Sayed in Detroit on October 24 as the Michigan Senate race draws closer to the midterm elections. El-Sayed faces Republican candidate Mike Rogers in a closely watched contest.

Despite the planned appearance, El-Sayed has previously criticized the Obama administration’s record. CNN reported that El-Sayed said the country was no “better off” after Obama’s presidency. He also critizied the administration for “perpetuating war,” violating civil liberties, and deporting illegal immigrants.