El-Sayed Confirms Sister-in-Law’s Terror Watchlist History Ahead of Obama Campaign Stop
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed confirmed to Fox News that his sister-in-law, Mariam Jukaku, was placed on the federal terrorist watchlist during the Obama administration. This admission comes just days before former President Barack Obama is scheduled to campaign with El-Sayed in Michigan. El-Sayed defended Jukaku, stating she committed no wrongdoing and was removed from the list, while blaming Republican rival Mike Rogers for the system that flagged her. Court documents show Jukaku sued in 2016 over the listing, though a federal appeals court overturned a ruling in her favor in 2021. The FBI maintains it does not confirm or deny individual watchlist status. This development intensifies the midterm campaign, which has already featured heated debates over alleged Muslim Brotherhood ties and national security concerns.
Key points
- El-Sayed acknowledged in a Fox News interview that his sister-in-law, Mariam Jukaku, was on the federal Terrorism Screening Database.
- The confirmation occurred days before former President Barack Obama is set to campaign alongside El-Sayed in Michigan on October 24.
- El-Sayed stated Jukaku committed no wrongdoing and was removed from the list, criticizing the system as 'guilty until proven innocent.'
- A 2016 lawsuit filed by Jukaku alleged she underwent additional airport screening in 2012 without explanation.
- A federal appeals court overturned a ruling favoring the plaintiffs in 2021, and a separate damages lawsuit was dismissed in 2017.
- The FBI stated it does not confirm or deny the inclusion of individuals in the Terrorist Screening Dataset.
Background
The Michigan Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers has been marked by intense personal attacks and allegations regarding national security and religious ties. Recent weeks saw a feud over a 'terrorist' label and heated debates regarding Israel and Iran. El-Sayed recently disavowed the Muslim Brotherhood in a town hall, rejecting claims of 'dual loyalty' and framing Republican attacks as Islamophobic. The race has also fractured Jewish and Muslim voter blocs, with El-Sayed working to unify Arab and Black voters while facing criticism for anti-Zionist rhetoric.
Why it matters
This confirmation adds a significant legal and personal dimension to the Michigan Senate race, potentially influencing voter perceptions of El-Sayed's vetting and national security stance. The timing, just before a high-profile endorsement from Barack Obama, amplifies the political stakes. It also highlights ongoing debates about the fairness and transparency of the federal terrorist watchlist process, a key issue in the 2026 midterm elections.
What to watch
Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to campaign with El-Sayed in Michigan on October 24, ahead of the November 3 midterm election. The campaign is expected to continue focusing on national security, religious ties, and the integrity of federal screening processes. El-Sayed will likely use the watchlist issue to criticize the Republican system, while Rogers may continue to press the issue as a disqualifying factor.
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