Gov. Greg Abbott designated CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations in Texas, prompting an immediate, strongly worded rebuttal and threat.
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that he has designated the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations.
In a social media post, Abbott said the designations ban the organizations from buying or acquiring land in Texas and authorize the Texas Attorney General to sue to shut them down.
What the proclamation says
The declaration filed with the Texas Secretary of State on Tuesday outlines several reasons behind the state’s decision. According to the document:
- The Muslim Brotherhood is described as a “transnational Islamist organization.”
- The proclamation cites past and current leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood regarding jihad, international influence and Sharia law.
- It states that branches and supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood have been tied to terrorism or extremist activity in multiple countries, including the United States.
- CAIR is described as “an Islamist organization” that the Federal Bureau of Investigations “found as a ‘front group’ for ‘Hamas and its support network’ in the United States.”
- The proclamation lists several individuals who have been affiliated with CAIR and were later convicted on terrorism-related charges.
- It also references comments attributed to CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad, including a claim that he “publicly praised and supported Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack against Israel.”
Abbott summarized the state’s action in his post:
“Today, I designated the Muslim Brotherhood and Council on American-Islamic Relations as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations. This bans them from buying or acquiring land in Texas and authorizes the Attorney General to sue to shut them down.”
CAIR responds sharply
CAIR National responded shortly after Abbott’s post with a statement disputing the designation and criticizing the governor’s actions.
“Greg Abbott is an Israel First politician who has spent months stoking anti-Muslim hysteria to smear American Muslims critical of the Israeli government. Although we are flattered by his obsession with our civil rights group, his defamatory proclamation has no basis in fact or law.”
CAIR continued:
“Unlike Mr. Abbott–who unleashed violence against Texas students protesting the Gaza genocide to satisfy his AIPAC donors–our civil rights organization is an independent voice that answers to the American people, relies on support from the American people, and opposes all forms of unjust violence, including hate crimes, ethnic cleansing, genocide and terrorism.”
CAIR also pointed to its history of legal action against Abbott:
“CAIR has successfully sued @GregAbbott_TX three different times for shredding the First Amendment to benefit the Israeli government, and we are ready to sue him again if he attempts to turn this publicity stunt into real policy. See you in court again, Greg…if you dare.”
What’s next
Abbott’s post and proclamation do not outline when enforcement actions may begin. CAIR’s statement indicates the group plans to challenge any implementation in court.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.