Irum Abbasi
© thisNthatIrum Abbasi
A Muslim-American woman is suing Southwest Airlines for discrimination because she was removed from a plane by federal security agents.

Irum Abbasi of San Diego plans to announce the lawsuit Thursday.

Abbasi is a Pakistani immigrant who's lived in the U.S. for a decade. She was on a flight from San Diego to San Jose in March when she says a flight attendant became concerned.

Abbasi, who was wearing a head scarf, told someone on her cell phone, "I have to go" because the plane was about to depart. But Abbasi says the attendant thought she said, "It's a go."

The mother of three was taken off the plane and briefly examined by TSA agents. She was placed on the next flight.

The airline later apologized. Abbasi has said she wants the crew disciplined.