Federal Courts Denied Lawsuits on Watchlist Status
The Council on American-Islamic Relations sought to remove Mariam Jukaku from federal watchlists in litigation through 2021.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Islam
Federal courts denied two lawsuits filed by the Council on American-Islamic Relations aiming to remove Mariam Jukaku from a terrorist watchlist. The legal battles, which concluded with a 2021 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, alleged the watchlist designation violated Fifth Amendment rights.
Why it matters
The litigation highlighted ongoing tensions regarding the transparency and constitutionality of federal travel screening programs. Jukaku, who served as an editor at UCLA and cofounded the Mindful Muslim Reader Project, argued that her watchlist status stemmed from discrimination.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations filed two lawsuits regarding the watchlist status of Mariam Jukaku. These legal efforts faced denial in 2017 and a 2021 reversal that found no infringement of constitutional liberty interests.
The players
Mariam Jukaku
She is the sister-in-law of Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and a cofounder of the Mindful Muslim Reader Project.
Council on American-Islamic Relations
This organization advocates for the civil rights of Muslims in the United States and filed federal lawsuits on behalf of the plaintiff.
Abdul El-Sayed
He is a candidate for the Michigan Senate whose family ties were mentioned in the context of the litigation.
Department of Homeland Security
This federal agency manages national security and was the target of a complaint regarding the plaintiff's boarding pass designation.
The details
Jukaku first sought action after receiving an SSSS designation on her boarding pass in 2012, prompting a complaint to the Department of Homeland Security. She alleged the placement resulted from bias, while the government had previously scrutinized advertisements for the publication Al-Talib, where Jukaku served as editor, over alleged terror ties.
Timeline
2003: Jukaku led the Muslim Student Association at UCLA.
2012: Jukaku received an SSSS designation on her boarding pass.
2017: A federal court denied the lawsuit seeking monetary damages.
2021: The 4th Circuit Court reversed the original court ruling.
Roadmap
This litigation contributes to a broader history of judicial challenges regarding the Fifth Amendment and government screening protocols. It marks a significant effort to define the scope of constitutional protections for individuals placed on federal travel watchlists.
For travelers, this case underscores the potential for prolonged administrative and legal hurdles if flagged by federal security systems. It highlights that legal challenges to watchlist status remain difficult for private citizens to pursue successfully through the court system.
The takeaway
The case illustrates the high burden of proof required when challenging federal national security designations in court. These outcomes serve as a reminder that watchlist status remains largely opaque to the individuals affected by them.
Further reading
Learn more about legal and social issues regarding the faith in the Islam section.
