In a significant and controversial move, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as “foreign terrorist organizations” and “transnational criminal organizations” under state law. This proclamation, issued on November 18, 2025, carries immediate implications, prohibiting both organizations from purchasing or acquiring land within Texas and authorizing the state’s Attorney General to pursue legal action to shut down their operations. This development marks a notable escalation in Abbott’s engagement with Muslim organizations in Texas, a state with a rapidly growing Muslim population.
Governor Abbott’s Rationale for the Designation
Governor Abbott’s proclamation cites extensive allegations against both groups, asserting that they have long harbored goals to “forcibly impose Sharia law and establish Islam’s ‘mastership of the world'”. The governor stated that the actions of the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR to “support terrorism across the globe and subvert our laws through violence, intimidation, and harassment are unacceptable”. The proclamation specifically highlighted alleged ties between CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood, and detailed accusations that CAIR leaders have expressed support for “jihadist terror”. It also referenced the Holy Land Foundation terrorism-financing case, in which CAIR was named an unindicted co-conspirator, and noted that the FBI suspended formal contacts with CAIR in 2008. The designation draws upon statements from Brotherhood leaders and existing restrictions placed on affiliated entities by other countries, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Austria, and the UAE.
Legal Authority and State-Level Impact
While Governor Abbott has utilized state law and a proclamation to make these designations, it is critical to note that states do not possess the federal authority to designate organizations as foreign terrorist entities. This power is exclusively held by the U.S. Secretary of State, following consultation with the Attorney General and Treasury Secretary, and requires notification to Congress. Therefore, Abbott’s action primarily impacts Texas state law, prohibiting CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood, and their affiliates, from acquiring real property within the state. The proclamation also allows for “heightened enforcement” against the organizations, granting the state’s Attorney General the authority to pursue legal actions to cease their operations. This action is bolstered by recent Texas legislation, such as Senate Bill 17, which restricts foreign ownership of real estate and addresses “transnational criminal organizations”.
CAIR’s Strong Rebuttal and Advocacy Work
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, has vehemently rejected Governor Abbott’s proclamation. CAIR officials have characterized the designation as “defamatory and lawless,” a “publicity stunt,” and a baseless “smear campaign” rooted in “debunked conspiracy theories and made-up quotes”. The organization asserts that its work focuses on protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and enhancing understanding of Islam, and that it has consistently condemned all forms of unjust violence, including terrorism. CAIR’s legal team is preparing to challenge the proclamation, citing past instances where they successfully sued Abbott for alleged First Amendment violations. CAIR-Texas has stated, “We are not and will not be intimidated by smear campaigns launched by Israel First politicians by Greg Abbott. Mr. Abbott is defaming us and other American Muslims because we are effective advocates for justice here and abroad”. The organization also highlighted that its consistent condemnation of terrorism has led to its national executive director being targeted by ISIS.
Broader Context and Political Buzz
This current news follows months of increased scrutiny from Governor Abbott’s office on certain Muslim organizations and real estate projects, such as the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) City development, which Abbott had referred to as a “sharia compound”. The designation has generated significant buzz within political circles, with some supporting Abbott’s action as a necessary step against extremist networks. For example, the Middle East Forum hailed the move as vindication for their long-standing research into CAIR’s alleged ties to Hamas. Conversely, civil rights groups and some lawmakers have denounced the designation as discriminatory, dangerous, and an escalation of anti-Muslim bigotry, fearing it could incite violence.
Conclusion
Governor Greg Abbott’s designation of CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations in Texas is a significant political and legal development. While the proclamation aims to curtail the activities of these groups within the state by banning land purchases and authorizing further state action, its broader legal weight at the federal level remains limited. The response from CAIR and its allies highlights a deep division and ongoing debate over religious freedom, civil rights, and national security concerns. This news from Texas continues to be a major talking point in current political discussions across the nation.
