Texas Governor Abbott Designates Muslim Brotherhood, CAIR as Terrorist Groups; Bans Land Purchases & Authorizes Lawsuits

Texas Governor Designates Muslim Brotherhood, CAIR as Terrorist Organizations

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken a significant and controversial step, officially designating the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as "foreign terrorist" and "transnational criminal" organizations within the state. This declaration carries immediate and impactful consequences, primarily banning these entities from purchasing or acquiring land across Texas. Furthermore, it empowers Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to initiate legal proceedings aimed at dismantling these organizations within state borders.

Governor's Justification and Organizational Background

Governor Abbott justified his decision by accusing the Muslim Brotherhood of actively engaging in terrorism and attempting to destabilize various nations. He controversially labeled CAIR, a prominent Muslim civil rights and advocacy group in the U.S., as the Muslim Brotherhood's "successor organization." The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, is a transnational Islamist movement with known offshoots, including Hamas. CAIR, established in 1994, is the nation's largest Muslim civil rights group and has consistently denied any affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood, asserting it has never been "an affiliate, offshoot, chapter, or agent of any foreign movement, organization, political party or government."

Contrast with Federal Policy and Congressional Efforts

This state-level designation starkly contrasts with federal policy; neither the Muslim Brotherhood nor CAIR is classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S. federal government. Earlier in the year, Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn had co-sponsored legislation seeking to compel President Trump to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, alleging efforts to undermine American allies in the Middle East. However, this bill did not advance in the Senate and offered no specifics on the organization's activities within the U.S.

CAIR's Response to the Proclamation

CAIR has vehemently denounced Governor Abbott's proclamation. In a public statement, the organization dismissed it as a "publicity stunt masquerading as a proclamation" lacking any factual or legal basis. CAIR accused Abbott of advancing "anti-Muslim bigotry" and defaming a respected American Muslim institution with "debunked conspiracy theories and made-up quotes," suggesting his actions prioritize prejudice over public service to Texans.

Broader Context: Related Texas Legislation

The governor's recent actions follow a pattern of related legislative efforts. Previously, Abbott signed a bill targeting so-called "Sharia compounds" – specifically addressing a development in North Texas – and imposing stricter regulations on land ownership by foreign or criminally affiliated entities. These measures collectively highlight an intensified focus by the Texas state government on scrutinizing and restricting specific types of organizations and land acquisitions.