CAIR Sues Texas Governor Over Terrorist Designation
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the U.S., has initiated a federal lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott. This legal action comes after Abbott labeled CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations, which CAIR describes as “unconstitutional and defamatory.”
Abbott’s declaration restricts these groups from acquiring land in Texas, with heightened enforcement measures. CAIR quickly expressed its opposition, denouncing the governor’s actions as an attack on American Muslim advocacy.
As reported, Governor Abbott’s decision on Tuesday categorized CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations, enabling state authorities to impose stricter enforcement against them and their affiliates.
Shortly after the declaration was made, Abbott released a statement asserting that both groups have openly aimed to forcibly implement Sharia law and gain global Islamic dominance. He claimed, “The actions taken by the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR to support terrorism worldwide and undermine our laws through violence, intimidation, and harassment are unacceptable.”
In his statement, Abbott alleged that CAIR was initially formed as a “front group” for Hamas and its supportive network in the U.S., according to the FBI.
In a press release from CAIR, it identified Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as a co-defendant in the lawsuit alongside Abbott. CAIR’s General Counsel, Lena Masri, referred to the organization’s prior successful legal battles against the governor, suggesting that he has previously attempted to infringe upon First Amendment rights by retaliating against critics of the Israeli government.
CAIR condemned Abbott’s classification of the organization as a foreign terrorist entity, suggesting that he is merely an “Israel First politician.” They stated, “We are not and will not be threatened by the smear campaign launched by Israel First politicians like Mr. Abbott. He is slandering us and other American Muslims because we are effective defenders of justice both at home and abroad.”
Abbott’s designation could lead to significant civil penalties and the restriction of CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, and their affiliates from purchasing land in Texas. He emphasized the implications of this classification, stating, “These extremists are not welcome in our state and are currently prohibited from acquiring real estate interests in Texas.”
