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The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), recognized as the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the United States, has launched a federal lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott. This legal action follows Abbott’s controversial decision to label CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations, a move CAIR has criticized as both “unconstitutional and defamatory.”
Governor Abbott’s recent proclamation prohibits these groups and their affiliates from purchasing land in Texas and permits intensified enforcement measures against them. CAIR immediately condemned the decision, asserting that it unjustly targets American Muslims who are engaged in advocacy efforts, and strongly denounced it as unconstitutional.
According to a report by Breitbart Texas, Abbott’s designation of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist entities enables Texas authorities to implement stricter enforcement actions. This development has sparked significant criticism and legal challenges from the affected organizations.
In a press release from the state capitol, Abbott articulated his reasoning for the designation. He stated, “The Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR have clearly expressed their intent to impose Sharia law by force and elevate Islam’s dominance globally. Their support for terrorism and attempts to undermine our laws through violence, intimidation, and harassment cannot be tolerated.”
The signed proclamation from Abbott characterizes CAIR as an Islamist group, referencing the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s description of it as a “front group” for “Hamas and its support network” within the United States.
According to a press release issued by CAIR on Thursday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was named as a party in the lawsuit along with Governor Abbott. In the statement released by CAIR, General Counsel Lena Masri described the group’s previous legal actions against the state, saying, “CAIR Legal Defense Fund has successfully sued and defeated Texas Governor Greg Abbott the last three times he tried to violate the First Amendment by punishing critics of the Israeli government.”
CAIR categorized Abbott’s designation of the group as a foreign terrorist organization, referring to the governor as an “Israel First politician,” saying, “We are not and will not be intimidated by smear campaigns launched by Israel First politicians like Mr. Abbott. Mr. Abbott is defaming us and other American Muslims because we are effective advocates for justice here and abroad.”
The Governor’s designation carries stiff civil penalties if allowed to stand; among other consequences, it will prohibit CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, and their affiliates from purchasing or acquiring land in Texas. Abbott described the implications of the designation, adding, “These radical extremists are not welcome in our state and are now prohibited from acquiring any real property interest in Texas.”
Randy Clark is a 32-year veteran of the United States Border Patrol. Before his retirement, he served as the Division Chief for Law Enforcement Operations, directing operations for nine Border Patrol Stations within the Del Rio, Texas, Sector. Follow him on X @RandyClarkBBTX.
